What is the Correct Value of k for a 94.8 nm Photon Emission in Hydrogen?

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The discussion centers on determining the value of k for a photon emitted during a hydrogen atom transition from the k state to n = 1, with a wavelength of 94.8 nm. The calculation shows that k equals approximately 5, which is confirmed to be acceptable despite the initial concern about it being a non-integer. There is confusion regarding the energy of the transition, where the correct value is clarified to be 13.1 eV instead of 1.31 eV. Additionally, the concept of photon absorption is discussed, with the understanding that absorption occurs when the photon's energy matches the energy difference between two states. The thread concludes with a clarification of these concepts, aiding in the understanding of atomic transitions.
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Homework Statement



The wavelength of the photon emitted when a hydrogen atom undergoes a transition from the k state to the n = 1 state is around 94.8 nm. How much is k?

Homework Equations



1/lambda= 1.97x10^7(1/1^2-1/k^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



1/9.48x10^-8=1.097x10^7(1-1/k^2)
10548523,71=1.097x10^7(1-1/k^2)
.9615791437=1-1/k^2
-.03384208563=-1/k^2
26.02753028=k^2
k=5.1 i thought it had to be an integer? do i just round off?

and I am also a bit confused because when i get the energy of transition= hc/lambda, it is equal to 1.31, but (energyK-energyN=energy of transition) .544-13.6= is not even close to 1.31 and i thought it was supposed to equal 1.31 (hf, energy transition) or is that only when the photon absorbs, :/ a bit confused help out please
 
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stickplot said:

Homework Statement



The wavelength of the photon emitted when a hydrogen atom undergoes a transition from the k state to the n = 1 state is around 94.8 nm. How much is k?

Homework Equations



1/lambda= 1.97x10^7(1/1^2-1/k^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



1/9.48x10^-8=1.097x10^7(1-1/k^2)
10548523,71=1.097x10^7(1-1/k^2)
.9615791437=1-1/k^2
-.03384208563=-1/k^2
26.02753028=k^2
k=5.1 i thought it had to be an integer? do i just round off?

Yes. k=5.

and I am also a bit confused because when i get the energy of transition= hc/lambda, it is equal to 1.31, but (energyK-energyN=energy of transition) .544-13.6= is not even close to 1.31 and i thought it was supposed to equal 1.31 (hf, energy transition) or is that only when the photon absorbs, :/ a bit confused help out please

You miscalculated. The transition energy is 13.1eV, not 1.31eV.
 
o ok.
stupid me i see what i did now.
and btw
how do you know when a photon is absorbing energy?
is it when the photon energy is the same to the energy transition? but I am kind of confused because i thought they were always equal to each other
 
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