Question

An electron in hydrogen atom is excited to 'N' shell. What are the possible transitions it can undergo? Compare the energies of transitions.

• A. 3 transitions, energies goes on decreasing
• B. 2 transitions, energies goes on decreasing
• C. 3 transitions, energies goes on increasing
• D. 2 transitions, energies goes on increasing

Answer 1

The correct option is A 3 transitions, energies goes on decreasing

When an electron is in 'N' shell $(n=4)$, it can undergo transition to $n=3,n=2,n=1shells$. Therefore 3 electron transitions are possible. $n=4ton=3$, is the least energy transition since the difference in energies of the two orbits is the least. $n=4ton=1$ corresponds to highest energy transition.