The figure below shows a model of an atom.Which of the following electron transitions would release a photon with the most energy?
A) 2 to 1
B) 4 to 1
C) 1 to 2
D) 1 to 4

Question

The figure below shows a model of an atom.Which of the following electron transitions would release a photon with the most energy? 
A) 2 to 1 
B) 4 to 1 
C) 1 to 2 
D) 1 to 4

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy of a photon is proportional to its frequency, and the frequency of a photon that is emitted during an electron transition is proportional to the difference in energy between the initial and final energy levels. The energy difference between levels increases with increasing distance from the nucleus, so the transition from level 4 to level 1 would release the highest energy photon. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

The Figure Below Shows a Model of an Atom