Determining N(i) of a Hydrogen Electron Transition

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To determine the initial principal quantum number N(i) for an electron transition in a hydrogen atom to the N=2 state, the energy of the emitted photon can be calculated using E = hc/λ, where λ is 434 nm. This energy corresponds to a specific transition in the Balmer series, which describes electron transitions to the N=2 level. The energy levels of hydrogen can be used to identify the required N(i) based on the energy difference between the levels. The discussion highlights the need to connect the calculated photon energy to the appropriate quantum states. Understanding the Balmer series is crucial for solving this problem.
DennisG
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An electron in the hydrogen atom makes a transition from an energy state of principle quantum number N(i) to the N=2 state. If the photon emitted has a wavelength of 434 nm, what is the value of N(i)?

...no idea
 
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DennisG said:
An electron in the hydrogen atom makes a transition from an energy state of principle quantum number N(i) to the N=2 state. If the photon emitted has a wavelength of 434 nm, what is the value of N(i)?

...no idea

Hmm...my guess is that you determine the photon energy using the relation

E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}

Then you look up how large an energy transition (in "steps" of N) down to N = 2 is required for a photon of that energy to be emitted.

If I've made a mistake, someone please tell me.
 
DennisG said:
An electron in the hydrogen atom makes a transition from an energy state of principle quantum number N(i) to the N=2 state. If the photon emitted has a wavelength of 434 nm, what is the value of N(i)?

...no idea

Does the term "Balmer Series" ring a bell?
 
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