If a hydrogen atom in the ground state absorbs a 20.0 eV photon,what kinetic energy of the electron results?
A) this cannot happen
B) 20.0 eV
C) 13.6 eV
D) 6.40 eV
E) 33.6 eV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If a hydrogen atom absorbs a photon of energy 20.0 eV, the electron in the atom is excited to a higher energy level. In this case, the electron is excited to the n=2 energy level, which has an energy of -3.40 eV with respect to the ground state. The electron must lose this energy as it returns to the ground state, and this energy is converted into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of the electron can be found by subtracting the final energy from the initial energy: KE = 20.0 eV - (-3.40 eV) = 23.4 eV. Therefore, the kinetic energy of the electron is 23.4 eV, which is closest to choice D, 6.40 eV.

If a Hydrogen Atom in the Ground State Absorbs a 20.0