Calculating Energy of Shortest Wavelength Photon in Hydrogen Atom

The energy of the shortest wavelength photon that can be emitted by a hydrogen atom is therefore 13.605698eV. In summary, as the radius of an electron orbit increases, the total energy of the electron decreases according to the relationship E=\frac{-Z^2E_o}{n^2}. However, within the Bohr model, the kinetic energy does decrease. To find the energy of the shortest wavelength photon emitted by a hydrogen atom, the formula \frac{1}{\lambda}=R[\frac{1}{n_1^2}-\frac{1}{n_2^2}] can be used, resulting in an energy of 13.605698eV. Keep in mind that this model is
  • #1
UrbanXrisis
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as the radius of an electron orbit increases, the total energy of the electron decreases because of the relationship: [tex]E=\frac{-Z^2E_o}{n^2}[/tex] right? does this means that the electron's kinetic energy would also decreas too?

if I was asked to find the energy of the shortest wavelength photon that can be emitted by a hydrogen atom, I would use:

[tex]\frac{1}{\lambda}=R[\frac{1}{n_1^2}-\frac{1}{n_2^2}][/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{\lambda}=1.0973731x10^7[\frac{1}{1}-\frac{1}{infinity}][/tex]
[tex]\lambda=91.12667nm[/tex]

so E=hc/91.12667nm=13.605698eV

is this correct?
 
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  • #2
UrbanXrisis said:
as the radius of an electron orbit increases, the total energy of the electron decreases because of the relationship: [tex]E=\frac{-Z^2E_o}{n^2}[/tex] right? does this means that the electron's kinetic energy would also decreas too?

Are you using the Bohr model? If so, keep in mind that it's a classical approximation, not a correct model of the atom. Within the context of the model, however, you first statement isn't quite right. As you move to larger radius (larger n), the total energy becomes less negative -- that is, increases. The kinetic energy does, however, decrease.

so E=hc/91.12667nm=13.605698eV

That's correct. This is also known as the "ground state energy" of hydrogen.
 
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What is the formula for calculating the energy of the shortest wavelength photon in a hydrogen atom?

The formula for calculating the energy of the shortest wavelength photon in a hydrogen atom is E = -13.6 eV / n2, where n is the principal quantum number. This is known as the Rydberg formula.

How do you determine the shortest wavelength of a photon in a hydrogen atom?

The shortest wavelength of a photon in a hydrogen atom can be determined by using the formula λ = hc / E, where λ is the wavelength, h is Planck's constant, and c is the speed of light. Simply plug in the energy value calculated from the Rydberg formula to find the corresponding wavelength.

Why is the shortest wavelength photon in a hydrogen atom important?

The shortest wavelength photon in a hydrogen atom is important because it represents the highest energy level that an electron in a hydrogen atom can transition to. This transition is known as the Lyman series and is important for understanding the emission spectra of hydrogen.

Can the energy of the shortest wavelength photon in a hydrogen atom be negative?

Yes, according to the Rydberg formula, the energy of the shortest wavelength photon in a hydrogen atom can be negative. This indicates that the electron has more energy in its excited state than in its ground state. However, when calculating the wavelength, the negative sign is ignored.

How does the energy of the shortest wavelength photon in a hydrogen atom change with increasing principal quantum number?

The energy of the shortest wavelength photon in a hydrogen atom decreases with increasing principal quantum number. This is because as the electron transitions to higher energy levels, the difference in energy between levels decreases, resulting in a longer wavelength and lower energy photon.

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