An electron in the hydrogen atom ground-state energy = -13.6 eV) makes a transition from the n = 3 to the n = 1 energy level. Calculate the magnitude of the energy of the photon involved in this process and state whether the photon was absorbed or emitted.
A) 12.1 eV, emitted
B) 109 eV, emitted
C) 109 eV, absorbed
D) 12.1 eV, absorbed
E) 15.2 eV, absorbed

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy difference between the n = 3 and n = 1 levels in a hydrogen atom is 12.1 eV. Since the electron is transitioning to a lower energy level, the photon is emitted.

An Electron in the Hydrogen Atom Ground-State Energy = -13