The four visible colors emitted by hydrogen atoms are produced by electrons:
A) that start in the ground state.
B) that end up in the ground state.
C) that end up in the level with n = 2.
D) that start in the level with n = 2.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The four visible colors emitted by hydrogen atoms are produced when electrons transition from higher energy levels to the n=2 energy level. Therefore, the electrons end up in the level with n=2. Options A and D are incorrect because they imply that the electrons start in the ground state or level n=2, which is not the case for the visible colors emitted by hydrogen atoms. Option B is incorrect because it implies that the electrons end up in the ground state, which is not possible for the visible colors emitted by hydrogen atoms since the ground state does not produce any visible light.

The Four Visible Colors Emitted by Hydrogen Atoms Are Produced