For the following allowed transitions, which photon would have the largest wavelength when an electron "jumps" from one energy level, characterized by the quantum number n, to another?
A) n = 2 to n = 1
B) n = 3 to n = 2
C) n = 3 to n = 1
D) n = 1 to n = 3
E) n = 4 to n = 1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wavelength of a photon is inversely proportional to its energy, according to the equation $E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$, where $E$ is the energy, $h$ is Planck's constant, $c$ is the speed of light, and $\lambda$ is the wavelength. The energy difference between levels decreases as the quantum numbers get closer together. Thus, the transition from n=3 to n=2 involves the smallest energy change among the options, resulting in the largest wavelength.

For the Following Allowed Transitions, Which Photon Would Have the Largest