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

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SUMMARY

The correct value of k for a photon emission of 94.8 nm in hydrogen is 5, derived from the equation 1/lambda = 1.97x10^7(1/1^2 - 1/k^2). The transition energy calculated from the wavelength is 13.1 eV, not 1.31 eV, indicating a miscalculation in the energy transition. Understanding the relationship between photon energy and atomic transitions is crucial, particularly in distinguishing between absorption and emission processes.

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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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