Question

A hydrogen atom in the ground state is excited by monochromatic radiation of λ = 1975 angstroms. How many (a) electrons (b) protons (c) neutrons does a hydrogen atom have? (d) photons are emitted when it transitions back to the ground state? a) 1, 1, 0, 1 b) 1, 1, 1, 2 c) 1, 1, 0, 2 d) 1, 0, 1, 1

Answer 1

The configuration of a hydrogen atom in the ground state, when excited by monochromatic radiation of
`\( \lambda = 1975 \)` angstroms, is as follows:

(a) Electrons: 1

(b) Protons: 1

(c) Neutrons: 0

(d) Photons emitted upon returning to the ground state: 1

Step-by-step explanation:

(a) Electrons: A hydrogen atom, the simplest element, consists of one electron orbiting a nucleus.

(b) Protons: A hydrogen atom has one proton in its nucleus, defining its atomic number.

(c) Neutrons: The most common isotope of hydrogen, Hydrogen-1, does not contain any neutrons.

(d) Photons: When a hydrogen atom in an excited state transitions back to its ground state, it emits a photon. In this scenario, a single photon is emitted.

This understanding aligns with the fundamental structure and behavior of hydrogen atoms in different energy states, providing clarity to each component in the given context.