Hydrogen atoms are excited by a laser to the n = 4 state and then allowed to emi

Question

Hydrogen atoms are excited by a laser to the n = 4 state and then allowed to emit. What is the maximum number of distinct emission spectral lines (lines of different wavelengths) that can be observed from this system?

Calculate the wavelength of the 4 ---> 1 transition.

.... m ?

Emission requires that the electron transitions from a higher state to a lower state. Therefore, ni > nf for allowed transitions. After this initial emission, if the electron is still in some state where n > 1, it can still participate in another transition. A particular transition can be associated with a wavelength using the Rydberg equation.

Explanation / Answer

Okay to do the wavelength do this:

E = hv = hc/lambda = -13.6eV (1/n1^2 -1/n2^2)

so:

Lambda = hc/(13.6*-1.6*10^-19(1 - 1/4^2) => 97.4 nm

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse H
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.