Question

A hydrogen electron is elevated from its ground state to a higher energy level. Explain the factors influencing this transition, and discuss the possible ways this electron can return to its ground state, emitting electromagnetic radiation in the process.

Answer 1

In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the electron can be elevated to a higher energy level, or excited state, by absorbing energy. It can return to its ground state by emitting electromagnetic radiation in the form of photons. The energy difference between the initial and final energy levels determines the wavelength of the emitted photons.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the ground state corresponds to the electron being in the innermost orbit. When an atom absorbs energy, it is raised to a higher energy level, or excited state, where the electron moves to a larger orbit. The factors that influence this transition include the amount of energy absorbed and the specific energy levels of the atom.

There are several possible ways for the electron to return to its ground state from an excited state. It can make the transition in one jump or in steps of two or more jumps, stopping at intermediate levels on the way down. With each jump, it emits a photon of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength corresponding to the energy difference between the initial and final levels.