Question

Determine the initial and final values of n associated with this emission.

a) nᵢnitial = 2, n_final = 1
b) nᵢnitial = 1, n_final = 2
c) nᵢnitial = 0, n_final = 1
d) nᵢnitial = 3, n_final = 4

Answer 1

The correct initial and final values of the principal quantum number n for an electron emitting energy are n_initial = 2 (first excited state) and n_final = 1 (ground state).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to determine the initial and final values of n, which are the principal quantum numbers associated with the energy levels of an electron in an atom. When an electron emits energy, it transitions from a higher energy state to a lower energy state. Therefore, the initial value of n must be greater than the final value. Given the options, the correct transition where the electron falls from a higher to a lower energy state is from n=2 to n=1, which corresponds to an electron transitioning from the first excited state to the ground state, releasing energy in the form of a photon.