Upon electrification, hydrogen produces a line spectrum with the following lines in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. If the light emitted corresponds to transitions from the third (n = 3), fourth (n = 4), fifth (n = 5), or sixth (n = 6)energy level down to the second (n = 2), which transition corresponds to the emission of light with highest energy?
A)n = 2 → n = 3
B)n = 2 → n = 6
C)n = 3 → n = 2
D)n = 4 → n = 2
E)n = 6 → n = 3

Question

Upon electrification, hydrogen produces a line spectrum with the following lines in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. If the light emitted corresponds to transitions from the third (n = 3), fourth (n = 4), fifth (n = 5), or sixth (n = 6)energy level down to the second (n = 2), which transition corresponds to the emission of light with highest energy? 
A)n = 2 → n = 3 
B)n = 2 → n = 6 
C)n = 3 → n = 2 
D)n = 4 → n = 2 
E)n = 6 → n = 3

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy of a hydrogen atom is proportional to the inverse square of the principal quantum number (n). As n increases, the energy of the atom decreases. Therefore, a transition from a higher energy level to a lower energy level (e.g. n=6 to n=2) corresponds to the emission of light with the highest energy. Choice E corresponds to this transition.

Upon Electrification, Hydrogen Produces a Line Spectrum with the Following