A Question About Selection Rules

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the allowed transitions for a hydrogen atom in the 4p state when it radiates a photon. According to selection rules, the hydrogen atom can transition to the 4s or 4d states, as these transitions adhere to the rule that allows changes in orbital angular momentum (∆l = ±1). The participants emphasize the importance of understanding energy state changes during photon emission.

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A hydrogen atom is in the 4p state. To what state or states can it go by radiating a photon in an allowed transition? Anyone have any ideas?
 
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The hydrogen atom as such is not in a state of any kind, the electron swirling around the proton does.

In order to start thinking about the solution, ask yourself what happens to this energy state when a photon is radiated. Is it higher or lower ?

Regards,
Leo
 
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So can it only go to a 4s state or 4d state, because of the rule which says: allowed transitions are: ∆l = +- l?
 

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