Question

Energy difference between two adjacent orbits is minimum if they are:

• A. K, L - shells
• B. L, M - shells
• C. M, N - shells
• D. N, O - shells

Answer 1

The correct option is D N, O - shells

Energy difference is given by, $E=R{Z}^{2}hc[\frac{1}{n_1^2}-\frac{1}{n_2^2}]$.

Where, $R$ is Rydberg constant for the hydrogen atom.

From this equation, it is clear that on moving away from the nucleus, the energy difference between successive orbits decreases.

So, minimum energy difference will be between two farthest orbits i.e. N, O - shells.

Option D is correct.