Question

Will a photon of light of wavelength 480 nm excite an electron in the hydrogen atom from the n=1 level to the n=2 level? Explain

Answer 1

Lets calculate the maximum wavelength possible for excetation

Here photon will be captured and it will excite the atom

1/wavelength = -R* (1/nf^2 - 1/ni^2)

R is Rydberg constant. R = 1.097*10^7

1/wavelength = - R* (1/nf^2 - 1/ni^2)

1/wavelength = - 1.097*10^7* (1/2^2 - 1/1^2)

wavelength = 1.223*10^-7 m

wavelength = 122 nm

Given wavelength is more than 122 nm that is given wavelength has less energy and hence it can’t excite

Answer: No