# Number of energy levels

1. Feb 9, 2005

### Cheman

Number of energy levels....

I have been told that as were go further away from the nucleus, the energy levels get closer and closer together - do we get to a stage where we get no more? I assume we must because any energy above this causes the substance to ionise (ie the ionisation energy); but are there an infinate number of energy levels before this or some discrete number of them?

I have been told that the way that the levels get closer and closer together is governed by some equation - what I guess I'm asking boils down to is is this an infinate geometric progression with the levels getting closer and closer for infinity (ie - an infinate number of levels), or do we get to a point where an equation would just give the same answer - there are no more levels which exist?

2. Feb 9, 2005

### dextercioby

Yes,that's a physical consequence of Bohr's model/postulates.

I

As soon as u go past zero,yes,the electron is free,adieu to quantization.

Sure,the discrete spectrum contains an infinite # of energy levels.

Yes.This equation
$$E_{n}=\frac{E_{1}}{n^{2}}$$

I've given u the equation,see what it boils down to...

Daniel.

3. Feb 17, 2005

### Cheman

Thanks. Please could someone elaborate further?

4. Feb 17, 2005

### dextercioby

In what domain?What do you think it has been answererd too briefly...?

Daniel.