Hydrogen Excitation(s) and De-excitation(s)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the excitation and de-excitation of hydrogen atoms when bombarded by a low-energy electron beam of 12.0 eV. It confirms that an electron can indeed excite a hydrogen atom from its ground state to the first excited state (n=2) since the energy difference (10.2 eV) is less than the beam energy. The user questions whether subsequent excitations can occur, indicating a need for clarity on cascading excitations in hydrogen.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hydrogen atom energy levels
  • Knowledge of electron beam interactions with matter
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics principles
  • Basic grasp of energy calculations in atomic physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of cascading excitations in atomic systems
  • Learn about the energy levels of hydrogen and their transitions
  • Study the effects of electron beam energy on atomic excitation
  • Explore the principles of de-excitation and photon emission in hydrogen
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in atomic physics, and anyone interested in the behavior of hydrogen under electron bombardment.

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Hydrogen Excitation(s) and De-excitation(s) via electron beam

Homework Statement



A sample of hydrogen atoms (i'm assuming singular, not molecular hydrogen) is bombarded by a low-energy electron beam (12.0eV).

My question is: with this group of atoms being bombarded, is it possible to excite the electron past the first excitation state (n=2) in a cascading sort of way? After an electron has made the jump to first excited state, could the excited atom(s) be again excited by a follwing electron?

Homework Equations




I'm not even sure.


The Attempt at a Solution



E1-2=-3.40eV - (-13.6eV) = 10.2eV

10.2eV < electron beam energy of 12.0eV

So, the atom can go to the first excited state...but, now I'm lost.
 
Last edited:
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never mind, I thought about it for about 3 more minutes and realized how fried I am from this past week.
 

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