Question

Which electronic level would allow the hydrogen atom to emit just one type of photon?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is B 2

On the absorption of a photon, an electron jumps from a lower state to a higher state and when energy is emitted, it falls from a higher to a lower state.

The lowest energy state of an atom is when n = 1. So, emission of a photon is not possible for this level.

In option (b), a photon from level n = 2 that can be emitted will be of only one type since the transition will be from n = 2 to n = 1.

In options (c) and (d), different type of transitions are possible resulting in many types of transitions.