If a hydrogen atom,originally in its ground state of energy -13.6 eV,absorbs a photon of energy 15.9 eV,what is the resulting kinetic energy of the electron if the proton has negligible kinetic energy?
A) 13.6
B) -2.30 eV
C) 2.30 eV
D) 15.9 eV
E) Such a photon cannot be absorbed in this case.

Question

If a hydrogen atom,originally in its ground state of energy -13.6 eV,absorbs a photon of energy 15.9 eV,what is the resulting kinetic energy of the electron if the proton has negligible kinetic energy?
A) 13.6​
B) -2.30 eV
C) 2.30 eV
D) 15.9 eV
E) ​Such a photon cannot be absorbed in this case.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a hydrogen atom absorbs a photon of energy, the electron is excited to a higher energy level. In this case, the energy of the photon (15.9 eV) is greater than the initial energy of the electron (-13.6 eV), so the electron is excited to a higher energy state. The energy of the photon is used to overcome the attractive force between the electron and the proton. Therefore, the kinetic energy of the electron after the absorption of the photon is equal to the energy of the photon minus the initial energy of the electron. 
KE = 15.9 eV - (-13.6 eV)
KE = 2.30 eV
Therefore, the answer is C.

If a Hydrogen Atom,originally in Its Ground State of Energy