Asked in FBISE Physics 2023 — Paper 1 2023Moderate

If an atom exists in excited state n = 3 the number of transitions that take place is

Correct answer: B. 3

  • A. 1
  • B. 3
  • C. 2
  • D. 4

Explanation

An atom in an excited state can transition to any of the lower energy levels. If an atom is in the excited state where the principal quantum number n=3It can transition to states with n=2 or n=1Each transition corresponds to the emission of a photon with a specific energy (or wavelength). The number of possible transitions is given by the formula n(n−1)/2 where n is the initial energy level. So, for an atom in the n=3 state, the number of possible transitions is: = 3(3−1) /2 =3These transitions aren=3→2 ,n=3→1 n=2→1

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