Question

Green light emitted by excited mercury vector corresponds to a particular energy transition in the mercury atom. A more energetic transition might emit:

a. either red or blue light
b. blue light
c. red light
d. white light

Answer 1

A more energetic transition in mercury atoms compared to one that emits green light would most likely result in blue light emission, due to the shorter wavelength and higher energy associated with blue light in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the energy transitions in mercury atoms and the resulting color of light emitted. In the case of mercury vapor emissions, a more energetic transition compared to one that emits green light would result in the emission of blue light, due to the shorter wavelength associated with higher energy transitions. This corresponds to the electromagnetic spectrum where going from green to blue denotes a move to higher energies and shorter wavelengths.