Which of the following transitions represent the emission of a photon with the largest energy?
A) n = 2 to n = 1
B) n = 3 to n = 1
C) n = 6 to n = 3
D) n = 1 to n = 4
E) n = 2 to n = 3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy of a photon emitted during an electronic transition is given by the difference in energy levels involved. According to the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the energy difference (and thus the energy of the emitted photon) is largest when the transition is from a higher to a lower energy level with the greatest difference in the principal quantum numbers. Transition B) n = 3 to n = 1 involves the largest energy difference among the given options, resulting in the emission of a photon with the largest energy.

Which of the Following Transitions Represent the Emission of a Photon