Chapter 28, Problem 19Q

To determine

Why transitions of electron deep inside the atom result in shorter wavelength whereas transitions by outer electrons result in longer wavelength.

Answer to Problem 19Q

Solution:

Since the energy required inside is greater for transition, hence wavelength is smaller.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Electrons orbiting inside the atom.

Formula Used:

$E=\frac{hc}{\lambda }$

Deep inside the atom, the electrons are tightly bound being closer to nucleus. Due to this large force of attraction, large energy is required to overcome this large force for transition. We know that wavelength is inversely related to the energy. Hence larger the energy smaller will be the wavelength. That is why we get smaller wavelength deep inside the atom and larger wavelength for outer loosely bound electrons which require only a small amount of energy for transition.