Which of the following transitions (in a hydrogen atom) represent emission of the longest wavelength photon?

a) n = 1 to n = 2

b) n = 3 to n = 1

c) n = 3 to n = 4

d) n = 4 to n = 2

e) n = 5 to n = 4

Question

Megan Barr

Chemistry

17 January, 08:31

Which of the following transitions (in a hydrogen atom) represent emission of the longest wavelength photon?

a) n = 1 to n = 2

b) n = 3 to n = 1

c) n = 3 to n = 4

d) n = 4 to n = 2

e) n = 5 to n = 4

+1

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Karlee Arroyo · Answer 1

For a photon to be emitted, the electron must travel from a higher quantum level to a lower one. Therefore, options A and C are eliminated.

The energy of a photon is given by Planck's equation:

E = hc/λ; where λ is the wavelength

As seen from the equation, a larger wavelength is observed when smaller energy transitions occur (since energy and wavelength are inversely proportional)

The smallest transition occurs in option E, 5 to 4. Therefore, the answer is E.

Which of the following transitions (in a hydrogen atom) represent emission of the longest wavelength photon?a) n = 1 to n = 2b) n = 3 to n = 1c) n = 3 to n = 4d) n = 4 to n = 2e) n = 5 to n = 4

Which of the following transitions (in a hydrogen atom) represent emission of the longest wavelength photon?

a) n = 1 to n = 2

b) n = 3 to n = 1

c) n = 3 to n = 4

d) n = 4 to n = 2

e) n = 5 to n = 4