Question

Consider an electron in the n = 4 energy level of a hydrogen atom. (a) What is the energy of the n = 4 energy level? (Give your answer to three significant figures.)

(a) -13.6 eV
(b) -3.4 eV
(c) -1.51 eV
(d) -0.85 eV

Answer 1

The energy of an electron in the n = 4 energy level of a hydrogen atom is -0.85 eV, calculated using the formula En = (-13.6 eV/n²), making the correct answer (d) -0.85 eV.

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy level of an electron in the n = 4 state of a hydrogen atom can be calculated using the formula En = (-13.6 eV/n²) where n is the principal quantum number representing the energy level. For the n = 4 level, we substitute 4 into the formula:

En = (-13.6 eV)/(4²)
En = (-13.6 eV)/16
En = -0.85 eV

This value indicates that the energy of an electron in the n = 4 level of a hydrogen atom is -0.85 eV. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) -0.85 eV.