Take the potential energy of a hydrogen atom to be zero for infinite separation of the electron and porton. Then the ground state energy of a hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV. The energy of the first excited state is:
A) 0
B) -3.4 eV
C) -6.8 eV
D) -9.6 eV
E) -27 eV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy levels of a hydrogen atom are given by the following formula:

En = -13.6/n^2 eV

where n is the principal quantum number (n = 1 for the ground state).

So the energy of the first excited state (n = 2) is:

E2 = -13.6/2^2 = -3.4 eV

Therefore, the correct answer is B) -3.4 eV.

Take the Potential Energy of a Hydrogen Atom to Be