How Many Hydrogen Atoms Minimum for All Emission Spectra from n=5?

In summary, an emission spectrum is a pattern of colored lines or bands of light produced by an element or molecule when it is excited or energized. The study of emission spectra is important because it can provide valuable information about the chemical composition and physical properties of a substance. Emission spectra are produced when an element or molecule is excited by energy, causing electrons to jump to higher energy levels and then return to their ground state, releasing energy in the form of light. The difference between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum is that a continuous spectrum contains all wavelengths of light, while a line spectrum only contains specific wavelengths, resulting in distinct colored lines or bands. Emission spectra are used in a variety of practical applications, such as in spectroscopy,
  • #1
sid94
2
0
Not sure how to go ahead with this problem:

Hydrogen atoms in a sample are excited to n=5 states and it is found that photons of all possible wavelengths are present in the emission spectra. What would be the minimum no. of hydrogen atoms in the sample?

(sorry got nothin buzzin to attempt this problem.. so please help out!)

Thnxx
 
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  • #2
Think of all the different ways an atom in n=5 can decay back to the ground state.
 

1. What is an emission spectrum?

An emission spectrum is a pattern of colored lines or bands of light produced by an element or molecule when it is excited or energized.

2. Why is the study of emission spectra important?

The study of emission spectra can provide valuable information about the chemical composition and physical properties of a substance, as each element and molecule has a unique emission spectrum.

3. How are emission spectra produced?

Emission spectra are produced when an element or molecule is excited by energy, causing electrons to jump to higher energy levels and then return to their ground state, releasing energy in the form of light.

4. What is the difference between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum?

A continuous spectrum contains all wavelengths of light, while a line spectrum only contains specific wavelengths, resulting in distinct colored lines or bands.

5. How are emission spectra used in practical applications?

Emission spectra are used in a variety of practical applications, such as in spectroscopy to identify and analyze unknown substances, in astronomy to study the composition of stars and galaxies, and in everyday devices such as fluorescent lights and televisions.

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