Which of the following electron transitions in the hydrogen atom will result in the absorption of light?
A
n = 4 to n = 1
B
n = 2 to n = 4
C
n = 2 to n = 1
D
n = 3 to n = 2
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1
Understand that absorption of light occurs when an electron moves from a lower energy level to a higher energy level in an atom.
Recall that in the hydrogen atom, energy levels are denoted by the principal quantum number \( n \), where \( n = 1 \) is the ground state and higher \( n \) values correspond to excited states.
Identify which transitions involve moving from a lower \( n \) to a higher \( n \) (i.e., \( n_{initial} < n_{final} \)) because these require energy absorption.
Analyze each given transition: \( n=4 \to n=1 \) is from higher to lower (emission), \( n=2 \to n=4 \) is from lower to higher (absorption), \( n=2 \to n=1 \) is from higher to lower (emission), and \( n=3 \to n=2 \) is from higher to lower (emission).
Conclude that only the transition \( n=2 \to n=4 \) involves absorption of light because the electron gains energy moving to a higher energy level.