Solving a H Atom Energy Problem: Am I Being an Idiot?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to the energy levels of a hydrogen atom, specifically focusing on the minimum energy photon that can be absorbed when the atom is in its ground state.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for energy differences between quantum states but expresses confusion regarding the correct values for the quantum numbers. Some participants clarify that the ground state corresponds to n = 1, not n = 0.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing clarifications about the quantum numbers involved. There is an acknowledgment of a mistake in the calculations, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions potential confusion due to fatigue, which may be affecting their calculations. There is also a light-hearted comment about a "solved button," indicating a desire for closure in the discussion.

Johnny010
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I am having a problem with this question in a past exam paper...I may just be being a bit of an idiot:

Show that if an H atom is in its ground state the minimum energy photon it can
absorb is 1.634x10-18 J.

I am using The formula:

En2-En1=hcR∞(1/n12 - 1/n22)

I keep getting a different value using n1 as 0 and n2 as 1...also using 1 and 2 respectively.
What am I doing incorrectly?
 
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The ground state is n = 1 (not n = 0).
 
Sorry...I was forgetting to do 1/4 for the final term...It has been a long day.
 
Where is the solved button?
 
Johnny010 said:
Where is the solved button?

It dissolved. :biggrin:
 

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