Question

The minimum energy required to excite a hydrogen atom from it ground state is:

• A. 3.4 eV
• B. 13.6 eV
• C. -13.6 eV
• D. 10.2 eV

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

10.2 eV

The minimum energy required to excite hydrogen from the ground state is equal to the energy required to excite an electron to the second level.

$E=-13.6\frac{z^2}{n^2}=\frac{-13.6}{n^2}$

$\therefore E=-13.6\left(\frac{1}{2^2}\right)-(-13.6\times \left(\frac{1}{1^2}\right))$

$=10.2eV$

Hence, the correct option is $\text{D}$