In which spin configuration is the energy of the hydrogen atom GREATEST?
A) When the proton spin and the electron spin are in the same direction
B) When the proton spin and the electron spin are perpendicular to each other
C) When the proton spin and the electron spin are in opposite directions
D) All of these spin configurations have the same energy;none is greatest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the proton spin and the electron spin are in the same direction, the energy is greatest due to the hyperfine splitting in the hydrogen atom, where parallel spins result in higher energy compared to antiparallel spins.

In Which Spin Configuration Is the Energy of the Hydrogen