Question

atomic spectroscopy
an electron in a hydrogen atom is excited with electrical energy to an excited state with ( n = 2 ). the atom then emits a photon. what is the value of ( n ) for the electron following the emission?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall photon emission in atoms

When an atom emits a photon, the electron transitions from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. The energy levels of a hydrogen atom are given by the principal quantum number \( n \), where lower \( n \) values correspond to lower energy levels (closer to the nucleus).

Step2: Determine the transition

The electron was excited to \( n = 2 \). When it emits a photon, it must go to a lower energy level. The lowest energy level (ground state) for hydrogen is \( n = 1 \). Since emission of a photon means a transition to a lower energy level from \( n = 2 \), the electron will go to \( n = 1 \).

Answer:

The value of \( n \) for the electron following the emission is \( 1 \).