Energy of Photon: Hydrogen n=4 to n=3 Transition

In summary, the energy of a photon when the Hydrogen atom transitions from the n=4 to n=3 energy state can be found by taking the difference of R/n^2 for n=3 and n=4, where R is the Rydberg constant. The potential difference between these two states can also be calculated in electron volts or joules, with the conversion from electron volt to joule being accomplished by multiplying by 1.602 x 10-19.
  • #1
UrbanXrisis
1,196
1
What is the energy of a photon when the Hydrogen atom transitions from the n=4 to n=3 energy state?
 
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  • #2
Find the difference in potential between the n=3 and n=4 states.

cookiemonster
 
  • #3
what formula do I use to find the energy in each state?
 
  • #4
If you aren't worried about small relativistic corrections, just take the difference of R/n^2 for n=3 and n=4, where R is the Rydberg constant. Here n is the principle quantum number.
 
  • #6
would energy be in Joules?
 
  • #7
so to find the difference in potential... E=(R/3^2)-(R/4^2) ?
E=533264 J?
 
  • #8
That's a little much... Look about 2/3 down the webpage I linked to.

eV is more commonly used, but Joules works.

cookiemonster
 
  • #9
is 533264 Joules a lot for the difference in the energy states?
 
  • #10
The Rydberg constant is about 13.6 electron volts. So if you want energy in those units, it would be 13.6*(1/9 - 1/16).

The onversion from electron volt to joule is accomplished by multiplying by 1.602 x 10-19. So your number of joules is way too high.
 

1. What is the energy of a photon emitted during the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition?

The energy of a photon emitted during the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition is 0.137 eV (electron volts). This is equivalent to 2.08 x 10^-19 joules.

2. How is the energy of a photon calculated during the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition?

The energy of a photon during the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition is calculated using the Rydberg formula, which is E = (13.6 eV) * (1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2), where n1 is the initial energy level (n=4) and n2 is the final energy level (n=3).

3. What is the significance of the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition?

The hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition is significant because it is one of the most commonly observed transitions in hydrogen atoms and is responsible for a spectral line known as the Balmer series. This transition also plays a role in the absorption and emission of light in stars, allowing us to study their composition and temperature.

4. How does the energy of a photon change during the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition?

The energy of a photon decreases during the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition, as the electron moves from a higher energy level (n=4) to a lower energy level (n=3). This change in energy is emitted as a photon of light.

5. Can the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition occur in reverse?

Yes, the hydrogen n=4 to n=3 transition can occur in reverse, known as the absorption process. This happens when a photon with the same energy as the difference between the two energy levels is absorbed by a hydrogen atom, causing the electron to move from the lower energy level (n=3) to the higher energy level (n=4).

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