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A hydrogen atom initially in the n = 2 level emits a photon and ends up in the ground state.

(a) What is the energy of the emitted photon when a hydrogen atom initially in the n = 2 level ends up in the ground state?
A. 10.2 eV
B. 13.6 eV
C. 3.4 eV
D. 6.8 eV

User Bretterer
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The energy of the emitted photon when a hydrogen atom transitions from the n = 2 level to the ground state is 10.2 eV. This calculation is based on difference in energy levels of the hydrogen atom according to Bohr's model.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question deals with the concept of electron transitions within a hydrogen atom and the energy associated with photons emitted during such a transition, based on Bohr's theory. When a hydrogen atom, initially in the n = 2 level, emits a photon and drops down to the ground state (n = 1), the energy of the photon can be calculated using the energy levels of the hydrogen atom.

For the hydrogen atom, each energy level En is given by:

En = -13.6 eV / n²

Thus, for the n = 2 level:

E2 = -13.6 eV / 2² = -3.4 eV

and for the n = 1 ground state:

E1 = -13.6 eV

The energy of the photon emitted (Ephoton) is the difference in energy between these two levels, given by:

Ephoton = E2 - E1 = -3.4 eV - (-13.6 eV) = 10.2 eV

Therefore, the correct answer is A. 10.2 eV.

User Keith Langmead
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