Excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions

In summary, a beam of electrons with kinetic energy 12.8 eV can excite a hydrogen target to n=3 or n=2, as well as n=4. The resulting spectral lines will include transitions from n=4 to n=3, n=4 to n=2, and n=4 to n=1, as well as n=3 to n=2, n=3 to n=1, and n=2 to n=1. To determine the visible lines, one must check the wavelengths of each transition to see which fall within the range of 3800 and 7500 Angstroms.
  • #1
petermacfarlane
2
1
The problem:
A beam of electrons with kinetic energy 12.8 eV collides with a hydrogen target. What visible spectral lines will be emitted due to collisions?

My question:
I am confident I know how to do the bulk of this question, I am just uncertain about one thing: I know that 12.8 eV is enough energy to excite a ground state electron to n=4. But can a collision from an electron with KE = 12.8 eV excite hydrogen to n=3 or n=2 as well, or must it be the highest energy state?
 
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  • #2
The answer is clearly yes, it can also excite it to n=3 or n=2 as well as n=4. The spectral lines you see will be the transitions of n=4 to n= 3, n= 4 to n= 2, and n=4 to n= 1, along with n=3 to n= 2, n= 3 to n= 1, and n= 2 to n= 1.
 
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  • #3
Charles Link said:
The answer is clearly yes, it can also excite it to n=3 or n=2 as well as n=4. The spectral lines you see will be the transitions of n=4 to n= 3, n= 4 to n= 2, and n=4 to n= 1, along with n=3 to n= 2, n= 3 to n= 1, and n= 2 to n= 1.
In addition, it asked what "visible" lines. It appears it wants you to check the wavelengths of each of these transitions to see which ones are between 3800 and 7500 Angstroms or thereabouts...
 
  • #4
Charles Link said:
In addition, it asked what "visible" lines. It appears it wants you to check the wavelengths of each of these transitions to see which ones are between 3800 and 7500 Angstroms or thereabouts...

Thank you for your help!
 
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FAQ: Excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions

What is excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions?

Excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions is a process in which an electron collides with a hydrogen atom, causing the atom's electron to jump to a higher energy level. This results in the atom becoming "excited" and emitting a photon as it returns to its original energy level.

How does excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions occur?

During the collision, the electron transfers energy to the hydrogen atom, causing the atom's electron to jump to a higher energy level. This energy transfer can occur through various mechanisms such as elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, or resonant collisions.

What happens to the electron after it collides with the hydrogen atom?

The electron may either continue on its path with less energy, or it may become trapped by the positively charged nucleus of the hydrogen atom. If the electron becomes trapped, it will eventually be released through a process called spontaneous emission, where it will emit a photon and return to its original energy level.

How is excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions important in scientific research?

The excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions plays a crucial role in many areas of scientific research, including astrophysics, plasma physics, and quantum mechanics. It allows scientists to study the energy levels and properties of atoms, as well as the interactions between particles and atoms.

Can excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions be controlled or manipulated?

Yes, scientists are able to control and manipulate the excitation of a hydrogen atom by electron collisions through the use of external electric and magnetic fields. These fields can alter the energy levels of the atom and influence the outcome of the collision, providing a way for scientists to study and manipulate the behavior of individual atoms.

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