Moderate

An electron in hydrogen atom will emit radiations of least wavelength when it returns from:

Correct answer: A. 2nd orbit to 1st orbit

  • A. 2nd orbit to 1st orbit
  • B. 5th orbit to 2nd orbit
  • C. 10th orbit to 3rd orbit
  • D. 20th orbit to 4th orbit

Explanation

The largest energy difference between nearby levels occurs from n = 2 to n = 1. This jump releases the most energy among the lowest levels, giving the shortest wavelength in the Lyman series.

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About Atomic Spectra

Atoms emit or absorb light at specific wavelengths because electrons occupy quantized energy levels and change levels by absorbing or releasing photons. The topic covers emission and absorption spectra, spectral series, hydrogen’s line spectrum, energy-level transitions, and the relation between wavelength, frequency and photon energy.

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