Question

Arrange the following H atom electron transitions in order of decreasing wavelength of the photon absorbed or emitted.

a) n = 2 to n = 4
b) n = 2 to n = 1
c) n = 2 to n = 5
d) n = 2 to n = 1

Answer 1

The wavelength of a photon is inversely proportional to the energy difference between the initial and final energy levels of the electron transition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The wavelength of a photon is inversely proportional to the energy difference between the initial and final energy levels of the electron transition. Therefore, the higher the energy difference, the shorter the wavelength of the emitted or absorbed photon. Using this information, we can arrange the transitions in order of decreasing wavelength:

1. n = 2 to n = 1
2. n = 2 to n = 4
3. n = 2 to n = 5
4. n = 2 to n = 1

This means that the transition from n = 2 to n = 1 will result in the longest wavelength, and the transition from n = 2 to n = 4 will result in the shortest wavelength.