Suppose that a certain atom has just the 4 different energy levels shown in the figure above. Which quantum jump produces radiation with the shortest wavelength?
A) nonsense-- quantum jumps don't produce radiation
B) from state 2 to state 1
C) from state 4 to state 3
D) from state 4 to state 1
E) Impossible to tell without further information

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shortest wavelength corresponds to the highest energy transition. The transition from state 4 to state 1 involves the largest energy difference, thus producing radiation with the shortest wavelength.

Suppose That a Certain Atom Has Just the 4 Different