Question

In a hypothetical atom, electron N transitions between energy levels, giving off orange light in the transition. In the same atom, electron P gives off violet light when it transitions between energy levels. Did electron N or electron P have a transition that covered a greater energy difference? The electromagnetic spectrum has been provided to assist you in answering the question, and you should reference info from the spectrum in your answer. Be clear and fully explain how you arrived at your answer.

Answer 1

Yes, electron N or electron P have a transition that covered a greater energy difference.

Step-by-step explanation:

• N electron giving orange light means light wave of 650 to 700 nm wavelength according to electromagnetic spectrum.
• P electron giving Violet light means light wave with a wavelength of 400 nm.
• As wave length and energy of a wave is inversely proportional to each other.
• It means N electron light with long wavelength has low energy.
• P electron light with short wave length has high energy.
• Hence both electrons have transitions of great energy difference.

Answer 2

Answer : Electron P has greater energy difference than the Electron N.

Explanation :

Wavelength range of violet light = 400 - 500 nm

Wavelength range of orange light = 600 - 700 nm

The Planck's equation is,

`E=(h* c)/(\lambda)`

where,

E = energy of light

c = speed of light

`\lambda` = wavelength of light

According to the Planck's equation, wavelength and energy follow inverse relation. As the wavelength increases, energy decreases.

From the given spectrum, the wavelength of violet light is less. We conclude that When electron P gives violet light on transition it means that energy difference between the energy level was high.

From the given spectrum, the wavelength of orange light is more. We conclude that When electron N gives orange light on transition it means that energy difference between the energy level was low.

So, Electron P which gives violet light on transition has greater energy difference than the Electron N.