Number of photons emitted between transitions

[Amith2006]

Homework Statement

# When an electron jumps from n = 4 level to n = 1 level(ground state), the number of photons emitted is:
a) 1
b) 3
c) 4
d) 2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

If the electron first moves from n = 4 to n = 3, then to n = 2 and then finally to n = 1 level then 3 photons are emitted. Similarly it can be 2 photons if the successive transitions are 4-->2-->1 or 4-->3-->1. It can be 1 if the transition is 4-->1. So are the suitable answers (a),(b) & (c)?

 

[OlderDan]

Homework Statement

# When an electron jumps from n = 4 level to n = 1 level(ground state), the number of photons emitted is:
a) 1
b) 3
c) 4
d) 2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

If the electron first moves from n = 4 to n = 3, then to n = 2 and then finally to n = 1 level then 3 photons are emitted. Similarly it can be 2 photons if the successive transitions are 4-->2-->1 or 4-->3-->1. It can be 1 if the transition is 4-->1. So are the suitable answers (a),(b) & (c)?

I think jumps from n = 4 to n = 1 means one transition, not a series of transitions.

 

[marlon]

I think jumps from n = 4 to n = 1 means one transition, not a series of transitions.

Indeed, and normally not all such transition states are allowed...

marlon