An electron de-excites from the fourth quantum level to the third and then directly to the first. Two frequencies of light are emitted. How do their combined energies compare to the energy of the single frequency that would be emitted by de-excitation from the fourth level directly to the first level? The combined energies of the two frequencies emitted by the one electrons is ________.
A) greater than the energy of the single frequency
B) less than the energy of the single frequency
C) equal to the energy of the single frequency
D) not predictable because other factors, such as the temperature of the surroundings must also be considered.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy levels in an atom are quantized, and the energy difference between two levels determines the frequency of the emitted light. The total energy released in a multi-step transition is equal to the energy released in a direct transition between the same initial and final states.

An Electron De-Excites from the Fourth Quantum Level to the Third