Question

abel the transitions in the hydrogen atom below as absorption or emission.
a. ( n = 4 \to n = 3 )
b. ( n = 4 \to n = 1 )
c. ( n = 2 \to n = 5 )
d. ( n = 3 \to n = 1 )
e. ( n = 2 \to n = 4 )
f. ( n = 1 \to n = 4 )

Explanation:

• For a transition in a hydrogen atom, if the electron moves from a higher energy level (\(n_{initial}\)) to a lower energy level (\(n_{final}\)) (\(n_{initial}>n_{final}\)), energy is released in the form of a photon. This is called an emission process.
• If the electron moves from a lower energy level (\(n_{initial}\)) to a higher energy level (\(n_{final}\)) (\(n_{initial}

Part a

Since \(n = 4>n = 3\), the electron is moving from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. So, it is an emission process.

Part b

Since \(n = 4>n = 1\), the electron is moving from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. So, it is an emission process.

Part c

Since \(n = 2 < n=5\), the electron is moving from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. So, it is an absorption process.

Part d

Since \(n = 3>n = 1\), the electron is moving from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. So, it is an emission process.

Part e

Since \(n = 2 < n = 4\), the electron is moving from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. So, it is an absorption process.

Part f

Since \(n = 1 < n = 4\), the electron is moving from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. So, it is an absorption process.

Answer:

a. Emission
b. Emission
c. Absorption
d. Emission
e. Absorption
f. Absorption