An electron de-excites from the fourth quantum level to the third and then directly to the first.Two frequencies of light are emitted.How do their combined energies compare to the energy of the single frequency that would be emitted by de-excitation from the fourth level directly to the first level?The combined energies of the two frequencies emitted by the one electrons is
A) greater than the energy of the single frequency.
B) less than the energy of the single frequency.
C) equal to the energy of the single frequency.
D) not predictable because other factors, such as the temperature of the surroundings must also be considered.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combined energies of the two frequencies emitted in a stepwise de-excitation (from the fourth to the third level, then from the third to the first level) are equal to the energy of the single frequency emitted in a direct de-excitation from the fourth to the first level. This is because energy is conserved in the process, and the total energy difference between the initial and final states is the same regardless of the path taken.

An Electron De-Excites from the Fourth Quantum Level to the Third