Experiment on Atoms: Determining Energy Levels

[MIA6]

Homework Statement

An experiment is performed on a sample of atoms known to have a ground state of -5.0eV. The gas is illuminated with "white light" (400-700 nm). A spectrometer capable of analyzing radiation in this range is used to measure the radiation. The sample is observed to absorb light at only 400 nm. After "the white light" is turned off, the sample is observed to emit visible radiation of 400 nm and 600 nm. Determine the values of the energy levels
i. the ground state ii. the energy level to which the system was first excited

The Attempt at a Solution

I think the question already gave us the ground state, but how do I find the energy level if I don't know which atom it is.
Thanks.

 

[alphysicist]

Hi MIA6,

When light of wavelength 400nm is absorbed, what is happening to the individual atoms? There is an energy that corresponds to 400nm; what is that energy and how is that energy related to the energy levels of the atom?