Find the Initial and Final states of an excited Hydrogen Atom

In summary, a hydrogen atom in an excited state absorbed a photon with a wavelength of 434 nm, and the equation 1/λ=1/91.127 * (1/nf2-1/ni2) was used to determine the initial and final states of the atom. However, with only one equation and two unknowns, the final n level could not be determined.
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Mrbilly
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Homework Statement


A hydrogen atom in an excited state absorbs a photon of wavelength 434 nm. What were the initial and final states of the hydrogen atom?

Homework Equations



1/λ=1/91.127 * (1/nf2-1/ni2)

The Attempt at a Solution



Tried to use the equation, but keeping the initial and final n's as just 1/n2. can find a value for n2, but still have two unknowns (initial and final n level) and only the one equation
 
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Related to Find the Initial and Final states of an excited Hydrogen Atom

1. What is an excited Hydrogen Atom?

An excited Hydrogen Atom is a version of the Hydrogen Atom that has absorbed energy, causing its electron to jump to a higher energy level. This state is temporary and the electron will eventually return to its ground state, releasing the absorbed energy in the form of light.

2. How can we determine the initial state of an excited Hydrogen Atom?

The initial state of an excited Hydrogen Atom can be determined by observing the wavelength of light emitted when the electron returns to its ground state. This wavelength corresponds to the difference in energy levels between the initial and final states of the atom.

3. How do we find the final state of an excited Hydrogen Atom?

The final state of an excited Hydrogen Atom can be determined by using the Rydberg formula, which calculates the energy levels of Hydrogen atoms based on their principal quantum number. By plugging in the observed wavelength of light emitted, we can find the final energy level that the electron jumped to.

4. Can an excited Hydrogen Atom have multiple final states?

Yes, an excited Hydrogen Atom can have multiple final states. This is because there are multiple possible energy levels that the electron can jump to from its initial state, depending on the amount of energy absorbed.

5. Why is it important to study the initial and final states of an excited Hydrogen Atom?

Understanding the initial and final states of an excited Hydrogen Atom allows us to better understand how atoms interact with energy. This knowledge is crucial in fields such as spectroscopy, where the analysis of light emitted from excited atoms can provide information about the composition and properties of objects in our universe.

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