Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!
Multiple Choice
An electron in the n=7 level of the hydrogen atom relaxes to a lower energy level, emitting light with a wavelength of 93.1 nm. What is the value of n for the level to which the electron relaxed?
A
n=2
B
n=4
C
n=3
D
n=1
0 Comments
Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by understanding that when an electron in a hydrogen atom transitions from a higher energy level to a lower one, it emits a photon with a specific wavelength. The energy difference between these levels corresponds to the energy of the emitted photon.
Use the Rydberg formula to relate the wavelength of the emitted light to the initial and final energy levels of the electron. The formula is: , where is the wavelength, is the Rydberg constant, is the initial energy level, and is the final energy level.
Convert the given wavelength from nanometers to meters to use in the Rydberg formula. Recall that 1 nm = 1 x 10-9 m, so 93.1 nm = 93.1 x 10-9 m.
Substitute the known values into the Rydberg formula: . Solve for .
Compare the calculated value of with the given options (n=1, n=2, n=3, n=4) to determine the correct energy level to which the electron relaxed.