Asked in Premeth MDCAT 2025 — Work and Energy, Atomic Structure, Nouns 2025Moderate

Which of the following electronic levels would not allow the hydrogen atom to emit a photon?

Correct answer: A. 1s

  • A. 1s
  • B. 2p
  • C. 3s
  • D. 3d

Explanation

In atomic physics, photon emission occurs when an electron transitions from a higher energy level to a lower one. The 1s level is the ground state for hydrogen atoms, meaning no lower energy level exists for an electron to transition to, thus it cannot emit a photon. Options B (2p), C (3s), and D (3d) all describe higher energy levels from which an electron can transition to a lower energy level, resulting in the emission of a photon.

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About Spectrum of Hydrogen

The hydrogen spectrum consists of discrete emission lines produced when electrons fall between quantised energy levels and release photons. Questions use the Rydberg equation, photon energy and wavelength, and identify the Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett and Pfund series, which differ from continuous spectra.

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