Which of the transitions in the following hydrogen atom energy-level diagram involves the shortest wavelength photon?
A) a
B) b
C) c
D) d

Question

Which of the transitions in the following hydrogen atom energy-level diagram involves the shortest wavelength photon? 
A) a 
B) b 
C) c 
D) d

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transition from energy level 2 to energy level 1 (transition A) involves the shortest wavelength photon. This is because the energy difference between these two levels is the largest, and according to the equation E = hc/λ (where E is the energy of the photon, h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength of the photon), a larger energy difference corresponds to a shorter wavelength (and higher energy) photon.

Which of the Transitions in the Following Hydrogen Atom Energy-Level