Which transition in a hydrogen atom will cause emission of the shortest wavelength photon? A) n₁ = 4 to n₂ = 3 B) n₁ = 4 to n₂ = 2 C) n₁ = 3 to n₂ = 2 D) n₁ = 3 to n₂ = 1 E) n₁ = 10 to n₂ = 9

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy of a photon is proportional to the frequency, which is inversely proportional to the wavelength. Therefore, the shortest wavelength photon corresponds to the highest energy transition. The transition from n=3 to n=1 corresponds to the largest energy difference, and thus the emission of the shortest wavelength photon.

Which Transition in a Hydrogen Atom Will Cause Emission of the Shortest