Experiment on Atoms: Determining Energy Levels

[MIA6]

Homework Statement

An experiment is performed on a sample of atoms known to have a ground state of -5.0eV. The gas is illuminated with "white light" (400-700 nm). A spectrometer capable of analyzing radiation in this range is used to measure the radiation. The sample is observed to absorb light at only 400 nm. After "the white light" is turned off, the sample is observed to emit visible radiation of 400 nm and 600 nm. Determine the values of the energy levels
i. the ground state ii. the energy level to which the system was first excited

The Attempt at a Solution

I think the question already gave us the ground state, but how do I find the energy level if I don't know which atom it is.
Thanks.

 

[alphysicist]

Hi MIA6,

When light of wavelength 400nm is absorbed, what is happening to the individual atoms? There is an energy that corresponds to 400nm; what is that energy and how is that energy related to the energy levels of the atom?

 

[Moetasim]

I would suggest conducting further experiments to gather more information about the atoms in question. This could include varying the intensity or wavelength of the "white light" used in the experiment, or using a different gas sample with known energy levels. By analyzing the absorption and emission spectra at different conditions, we can gather more data and potentially identify the specific atom and its energy levels. Additionally, we could also use theoretical calculations or simulations to estimate the energy levels based on the observed absorption and emission patterns. Overall, it is important to gather more data and use various methods to accurately determine the energy levels of the atoms in question.