Question

the difference in energy between the n=1 and n=2 energy levels in a hydrogen atom is 1.64x10^-18 J. what happens when an electron in a hydrogen atom transitions from n=2 to n=1?

Answer 1

It emits 1.64 x 10⁻¹⁸J of energy

Step-by-step explanation:

The n = 1 is a lower quantum level compared to n = 2.

When a hydrogen atom moves from a higher level to a lower one, it simply emits the energy difference between the two levels.

• If a hydrogen atom moves from a lower energy level to a higher one such as from 1 to 2, they absorb the energy difference to attain the new excited state.
• So, for an electron in the hydrogen atom to move from a higher energy level to a lower one, it must emit 1.64 x 10⁻¹⁸J of energy.