Question

The total energy of a hydrogen atom in its ground state is $-13.6eV$. If the potential energy in the first excited state is taken as zero then the total energy in the ground state will be:

• A. $-3.4eV$
• B. $3.4eV$
• C. $-6.8eV$
• D. $6.8eV$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $-6.8eV$

Total energy of Hydrogen atom in ground state is $-13.6eV$ ,and potential energy is $-27.2ev$, Kinetic energy =$13.6eV$

For first excited state Kinetic energy = $3.4eV$, Potential energy= $-6.8eV$,

If potential energy of first excited energy is zero , Then for this we must add 6.8eV energy in system . We are just shifting the potential refrence.

So for ground state total energy $=(13.6-27.2+6.8)=-6.8eV$