Determining N(i) of a Hydrogen Electron Transition

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the initial principal quantum number N(i) of an electron transition in a hydrogen atom to the N=2 state, given that a photon with a wavelength of 434 nm is emitted. Participants agree that the energy of the photon can be determined using the formula E = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant and c is the speed of light. The energy transition corresponding to the Balmer Series is referenced, indicating that the emitted photon corresponds to a specific energy level transition in hydrogen.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and principal quantum numbers
  • Familiarity with the Balmer Series in hydrogen
  • Knowledge of photon energy calculations using E = hc/λ
  • Basic grasp of atomic structure and electron transitions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Balmer Series and its significance in hydrogen atom transitions
  • Learn how to calculate photon energy using E = hc/λ in various contexts
  • Explore the concept of quantum numbers and their implications in atomic physics
  • Study energy level diagrams for hydrogen and other elements
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in atomic transitions and spectroscopy.

DennisG
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An electron in the hydrogen atom makes a transition from an energy state of principle quantum number N(i) to the N=2 state. If the photon emitted has a wavelength of 434 nm, what is the value of N(i)?

...no idea
 
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DennisG said:
An electron in the hydrogen atom makes a transition from an energy state of principle quantum number N(i) to the N=2 state. If the photon emitted has a wavelength of 434 nm, what is the value of N(i)?

...no idea

Hmm...my guess is that you determine the photon energy using the relation

E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}

Then you look up how large an energy transition (in "steps" of N) down to N = 2 is required for a photon of that energy to be emitted.

If I've made a mistake, someone please tell me.
 
DennisG said:
An electron in the hydrogen atom makes a transition from an energy state of principle quantum number N(i) to the N=2 state. If the photon emitted has a wavelength of 434 nm, what is the value of N(i)?

...no idea

Does the term "Balmer Series" ring a bell?
 

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