Take the potential energy of a hydrogen atom to be zero for infinite separation of the electron and proton.Then the ground state energy of a hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV.The energy of the first excited state is:
A)0 eV
B)-3.4 eV
C)-6.8 eV
D)-10.2 eV
E)-27 eV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy of the first excited state can be found using the equation:
E(n) = -13.6/n^2 eV
where n is the principle quantum number.
For the ground state, n=1 and E(1)=-13.6 eV
For the first excited state, n=2 and E(2) = -13.6/2^2 = -3.4 eV
Therefore, the answer is B) -3.4 eV.

Take the Potential Energy of a Hydrogen Atom to Be