Photon emissions from hydrogen

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the photon emissions from a hydrogen atom transitioning from an excited state (specifically state 5) to the ground level. Participants are exploring the number of possible photon emissions during this transition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to count the number of different photon emissions and questioning whether there is a formula to calculate this more elegantly. Some are discussing the relationship between energy levels and the number of transitions possible.

Discussion Status

There are varying interpretations of the problem, with some participants suggesting different methods for counting transitions. A formula for calculating the number of emissions has been mentioned, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the definition of the excited state and the corresponding energy levels, which may affect the calculations being discussed.

natugnaro
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[SOLVED] Photon emissions from hydrogen

Homework Statement


How many different photon emissions can hydrogen atom make going down from excited state 5 to ground level ?



Homework Equations



Thats what I'm lookin for.

The Attempt at a Solution



Simply by counting I got 10 different photon emissions.
But is there some equation for doing this elegantly ?
 
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Isn't excited state 5 energy level n=6? So shouldn't there be 5+4+3+2+1 photons possible since from n=6, the electron can make 5 transitions, and from n=5 it can make 4 transitions, etc?
 
thanks, I got it
 
For excited state n there is (1+n)*n/2 possible different photon emissions.
 
Last edited:

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