The table below lists the binding energies of the first four stationary states of the…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Particles and radiation · Particles and radiation
Problem
The table below lists the binding energies of the first four stationary states of the hydrogen atom.
n Energy (eV)
1 −13.6
2 −3.40
3 −1.51
4 −0.85
An electron in a hydrogen atom is initially in the state n = 4 and subsequently makes a transition to the state n = 2.
(a) Calculate the energy, in electron-volts, of the photon emitted during this transition.
(b) Determine the wavelength of the photon. Express your answer in nanometres.
(c) Identify the region of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., infrared, visible, ultraviolet) to which this photon belongs, and justify your answer.
(d) Suppose a significant fraction of electrons in the discharge tube are already in the n = 2 state before additional excitation occurs. Describe qualitatively how the intensity and number of spectral lines observed would be affected, considering possible upward and downward transitions.