In a hydrogen atom, an electron in a orbital can absorb a photon, but cannot emit a photon.
A) 3f
B) 3p
C) 1s
D) 2s
E) 3s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is because the energy levels in the hydrogen atom are quantized and the electron can only occupy certain energy levels or orbitals. When an electron absorbs a photon, it gains energy and jumps to a higher energy level or orbital. However, it cannot stay in this excited state indefinitely and must eventually return to its original energy level or orbital. When it does so, it must release the excess energy in the form of a photon. Therefore, only certain energy transitions are allowed, and the electron in the 1s orbital cannot transition to a lower energy level. Therefore, it cannot emit a photon but can only absorb a photon.

In a Hydrogen Atom, an Electron in a Orbital Can