Chapter 11.2, Problem 1RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason for four lines emitted from one electron of hydrogen is to be determined.

Concept introduction: An atom with excess energy is said to be in excited state.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Lines are because of the electron transition.

Explanation of Solution

An atom with extra energy is said to be in the excited state. The excess energy is emitted by the atom in the excited-state and atom moves to a lower energy state or transfer to the lower energy state. The lowest possible energy state of an atom is known as the ground state. When a hydrogen atom absorbs energy, it gets excited. It can release this excess energy by emitting a photon of light and return to its original state.

When an H atom is studied, the photons of visible light emitted show only certain colors. It can be said that only certain types of photons are produced. Other colors are not seen and can be added up to give “white light;” where only selected colors can be seen. By emitting the photons of certain energies, the excited hydrogen atoms return to its lower energy states.

Conclusion

Different light wavelengths carry different amount of energy per photon. The amount of energy contained in the photon is correspondence to the energy change that the atom experiences as they are going from the excited state to the lower state.