Question

of the labeled lines, which corresponds to the smallest electron energy transition? choose 1 answer: line a line b line c

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the relationship between energy and wavelength

The energy of a photon is given by the formula \(E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}\), where \(h\) is Planck's constant, \(c\) is the speed of light, and \(\lambda\) is the wavelength. This means that energy \(E\) is inversely proportional to wavelength \(\lambda\) (\(E\propto\frac{1}{\lambda}\)).

Step2: Compare the wavelengths of lines A, B, and C

Looking at the diagram, line C has the longest wavelength among the three lines (A, B, and C).

Step3: Determine the energy transition

Since \(E\propto\frac{1}{\lambda}\), the photon with the longest wavelength has the smallest energy. So, the electron transition corresponding to the longest - wavelength photon (line C) has the smallest energy.

Answer:

C. line C