If the ground state of the hydrogen atom is taken to be zero energy,then the first three excited states are at energies of 10.2,12.1,and 12.8 eV.The energy corresponding to n = infinity is 13.6 eV.If the atom is in its ground state,it can absorb photons with each of the following energies EXCEPT ONE.Which is the exception?
A) 10.2 eV
B) 12.1 eV
C) 12.5 eV
D) 15.2 eV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the Bohr model, an electron in the hydrogen atom absorbs a photon of energy equal to the difference between the initial and final energy levels. Therefore, if the atom is in its ground state (n=1), it can absorb a photon with energy equal to the difference between the ground state and the energy level of any of the excited states. 
Thus, the atom can absorb photons with energies of:
- 10.2 eV (n=2)
- 12.1 eV (n=3)
- 12.8 eV (n=4)
- 13.6 eV (n=$\infty$)

Therefore, the exception is C because 12.5 eV is not an allowed energy level in the hydrogen atom.

If the Ground State of the Hydrogen Atom Is Taken