Question

The diagram represents energy levels in a hydrogen atom. The labeled transitions (A through E) represent an

electron moving between energy levels. Suppose that an electron in a hydrogen atom absorbs 10.2 eV of
energy, so that it moves from level 1 to level 2. What typically happens next?

A) The electron jumps to level 3 as soon as it absorbs any additional energy.

B) A different electron drops into level 1, since it is now unoccupied.

C) The electron remains in level 2 until it absorbs an additional 10.2 eV of energy.

D) The electron returns to level 1 by emitting an ultraviolet photon with 10.2 eV of energy.

Answer 1

After absorbing 10.2 eV of energy and moving to level 2, the electron in a hydrogen atom will return to level 1 by emitting an ultraviolet photon with 10.2 eV of energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, an electron can absorb energy and move to a higher energy level, which is referred to as excitation. However, this excitation is generally temporary, and the electron will eventually drop back to its ground state, emitting light in the process. So, in this case, after the electron absorbs 10.2 eV of energy and moves from level 1 to level 2, it will return to level 1 by emitting an ultraviolet photon with 10.2 eV of energy. Therefore, the correct answer is D) The electron returns to level 1 by emitting an ultraviolet photon with 10.2 eV of energy.