Question

In the hydrogen atom, which of the following transitions will release a photon with greater energy?

a. 4 --> 1 or 3 --> 1?

b. 4 --> 3 or 2 --> 1?

c. 6 --> 2 or 2 --> 1?

Please explain as well. Thank you!

Answer 1

a)
4---> 1 will release greater energy as energy difference is large here

b)
2 ---> 1 will release greater energy as energy difference is large here
energy difference decreases as we move up

c)
This we need to calculate

Energy difference between 6 to 2:
E62 = 13.6*(1/n2^2 - 1/n1^2)
= 13.6* (1/2^2 - 1/6^2)
= 13.6 * (1/4 - 1/36)
= 3.02 eV

Energy difference between 2 to 1:
E21 = 13.6*(1/n2^2 - 1/n1^2)
= 13.6* (1/1^2 - 1/2^2)
= 13.6 * (1 - 1/4)
= 10.2 eV

2 ---> 1 will release greater energy as energy difference is large here