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Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition
Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 6, Problema 37a

Is energy emitted or absorbed when the following electronic transitions occur in hydrogen? a. from n = 4 to n = 2

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Identify the initial and final energy levels of the electron in the hydrogen atom. Here, the electron transitions from n = 4 (initial) to n = 2 (final).
Recall that energy is emitted when an electron moves from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, and energy is absorbed when it moves from a lower energy level to a higher energy level.
Since the electron is moving from n = 4 to n = 2, it is transitioning from a higher energy level to a lower energy level.
Conclude that energy is emitted during this transition because the electron is moving to a lower energy state.
Use the Rydberg formula to calculate the energy of the emitted photon if needed: \( \Delta E = R_H \left( \frac{1}{n_1^2} - \frac{1}{n_2^2} \right) \), where \( R_H \) is the Rydberg constant, \( n_1 = 2 \), and \( n_2 = 4 \).

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Energy Levels in Hydrogen

In hydrogen, electrons occupy discrete energy levels, denoted by quantum numbers (n). The energy associated with each level increases with n, meaning that higher levels (like n=4) have more energy than lower levels (like n=2). Understanding these energy levels is crucial for predicting whether energy is absorbed or emitted during electronic transitions.
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Hydrogenation Reactions

Photon Emission and Absorption

When an electron transitions from a higher energy level to a lower one, energy is emitted in the form of a photon. Conversely, when an electron moves from a lower to a higher energy level, energy is absorbed. The energy of the emitted or absorbed photon corresponds to the difference in energy between the two levels involved in the transition.
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Rydberg Formula

The Rydberg formula provides a mathematical relationship to calculate the wavelengths of the spectral lines in hydrogen. It is expressed as 1/λ = R(1/n1² - 1/n2²), where R is the Rydberg constant, and n1 and n2 are the principal quantum numbers of the lower and higher energy levels, respectively. This formula helps quantify the energy changes during electronic transitions.
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Skeletal Formula