How Do Electron Transitions in Hydrogen Atoms Produce Photons?

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Electron transitions in hydrogen atoms occur when an electron collides with the atom, resulting in the emission of photons with varying energies. The energy levels for hydrogen are specified, with an electron initially at n=1 moving to n=3 after absorbing 12.1 eV. From n=3, the electron can transition to n=2, n=1, or directly from n=3 to n=1, producing three distinct photon energies. Participants express confusion about the energy calculations and the corresponding transitions, requesting clarification and visual aids. The discussion highlights the complexities of atomic physics and the need for clear diagrams to understand the transitions better.
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Figure 1 shows part of an energy level diagram for a hydrogen atom.

n=4 ------ -0.85eV
n=3 ------ -1.50eV
n=2 ------ -3.40eV
n=1 ------ -13.60eV

When an electron of energy 12.1eV collides with the atom, photons of three different energies are emitted.
[a] on Figure 1 show with arrows the transitions responsible for these photons.

> ?

Calculate the wavelength of the photon with the smallest energy. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.

>(E = hcl入)
>energy in joules = (??) x 1.6 x 10^-19 = (?)(J)
 
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I think this should be in the homework forum. Someone will probably move it for you. (Whoever does can delete this post)
 
diazona said:
I think this should be in the homework forum. Someone will probably move it for you. (Whoever does can delete this post)

Hi, this is not my homework, I am revising Physics at the moment, I am stuck with this question.
 
I've forgot most of atomic physics. But I can show u the process.
[a]at first n=1,then comes the electron with 12.1eV,so the energy raises from -13.6 to -1.5,and n=3.Energy always wants to go from the high level to the low level,and at this time we have 3 ways,that is 3->2,2->1,3->1,these are the "photons of three different energies"
then is easy
 
mensa said:
I've forgot most of atomic physics. But I can show u the process.
[a]at first n=1,then comes the electron with 12.1eV,so the energy raises from -13.6 to -1.5,and n=3.Energy always wants to go from the high level to the low level,and at this time we have 3 ways,that is 3->2,2->1,3->1,these are the "photons of three different energies"
then is easy


---------------------
---------------------
↓ ...↓
---------------------
↓....↓
---------------------
↓....↓
---------------------

Is it kindda look like this...?:confused:
 
I'm sorry I wasn't here.
But I can't catch your point.
What I said means,at first n=1,after 12.1eV comes,n=3. n=3 has 3 ways to go as following
goto 2,releasing 1.9eV
goto 1,releasing 12.1eV
but after 3 go to 2,we still have a 2,and this 2 can goto 1,releasing 10.2eV
 
Alright, I'm super confused by this point. To the OP: can you upload figure 1? Where are the arrows?
 
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