Question

If an electron transitions from one energy level to another, which transition will release the greatest amount of energy?

A. n = 2 to n = 1
B. n = 3 to n = 2
C. n = 4 to n = 3
D. n = 1 to n = 3

Answer 1

The transition from n = 2 to n = 1 (option A) will release the greatest amount of energy according to the Bohr model, as it involves the largest difference in energy levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The transition that will release the greatest amount of energy when an electron moves from one energy level to another in an atom is the one involving the largest difference in energy levels. In this case, the options given are transitions within a hydrogen-like atom, where the energy differences are described by the Bohr model.

According to the Bohr model, the energy of an electron in a hydrogen-like atom is inversely proportional to the square of the principal quantum number (n). This means that the energy difference between two levels (and hence the energy released in a transition) is greater as the difference in the square of the principal quantum numbers of these levels increases.

Looking at the options given, transition A (n = 2 to n = 1) represents the largest difference in principle quantum numbers, and hence, it would release the greatest amount of energy when the electron falls from a higher to a lower energy level.