Calculating Wavelength and Energy of Excited Hydrogen Atom | Help Guide

In summary, a hydrogen atom, initially in ground state, absorbs a photon and becomes excited to its second excited state. The wavelength of the photon is 9.72*10^-8 m and its energy is 2.045*10^-18 J. The value of n for the second excited state is 2, as n = 1 is the ground state and n = 3 is the first excited state.
  • #1
fdizzy
4
0
help please, for question: a hydrogen atom, initially in ground state, absorbs a photon, and is excited to its second excited state. What were the wavelength and the energy of the photon by the atom. Did i do it right.

1/λ = (1.097*10^7)(1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2)

1/λ = (1.097*10^7)(1/1^2 - 1/4^2)

λ = 9.72*10^-8 m


Energy = hc/λ

= (6.626*10^-34*3*10^8)/(9.72*10^-8)

= 2.045*10^-18 J
 
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  • #2
You appear to be using 4 as the value of n for the second excited state. Why is that?
 
  • #3
oh it should be 2 right ?
 
  • #4
n = 1 is the ground state, which is not an excited state. So the first excited state would be...
 
  • #5
so would it be 2
 
  • #6
i think my n=1 would be 1 its grund state, excited state 2, would be n=3 ?
 
  • #7
That's how I see it. :smile:
 

FAQ: Calculating Wavelength and Energy of Excited Hydrogen Atom | Help Guide

What is an excited state hydrogen atom?

An excited state hydrogen atom is an atom of hydrogen that has absorbed energy, causing one of its electrons to jump to a higher energy level. This results in the atom being in an unstable state and eventually returning to its ground state by emitting the excess energy in the form of photons.

How does an excited state hydrogen atom emit light?

When an electron in an excited state hydrogen atom returns to its ground state, it releases energy in the form of photons. These photons have specific wavelengths and frequencies, which correspond to different colors of light. This is why excited hydrogen atoms are often used in spectroscopy to identify the presence of certain elements.

What causes an electron in a hydrogen atom to become excited?

An electron in a hydrogen atom can become excited by absorbing energy from an external source, such as heat, light, or an electric current. This energy is used to move the electron to a higher energy level, resulting in the atom being in an excited state.

How is the energy of an excited state hydrogen atom related to its ground state?

The energy of an excited state hydrogen atom is higher than that of its ground state. This is because the electron in the excited state is further away from the nucleus, which requires more energy to keep it in that state. When the electron returns to its ground state, it releases the excess energy in the form of light.

What is the significance of excited state hydrogen in astronomy?

Excited state hydrogen is important in astronomy because it can be used to study the composition and temperature of distant objects in space. By analyzing the wavelengths of light emitted by excited hydrogen atoms, scientists can determine the chemical makeup and temperature of stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.

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