Question

When the electron in a hydrogen atom makes a transition from a higher energy orbit to its lowest energy orbit, the atom:

A) absorbs a Balmer series photon
B) emits a Balmer series photon
C) absorbs a Lyman series photon
D) emits a Lyman series photon
E) absorbs a World series photon

Answer 1

The atom emits a Lyman series photon when an electron transitions to the hydrogen atom's lowest energy orbit.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the electron in a hydrogen atom makes a transition from a higher energy orbit to its lowest energy orbit, the ground state, the atom emits a Lyman series photon. This is because Lyman series transitions involve electron jumps between the ground state, or first energy level (n=1), and higher energy levels (n ≥2). The emission of ultraviolet photons occurs during transitions to the ground state, while the Balmer series transitions involve visible light photons emitted or absorbed when electrons move to or from the second energy level (n=2).