Question

Which of the following corresponds to the energy of the possible excited state of hydrogen?

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

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$-3.4$ eV

The energy of nth energy level is given by the expression:

$E=\frac{-13.6}{n^2}eV/atom$

For $n=1$ (ground state), $E_1=\frac{-13.6}{(1{)}^2}=-13.6$eV.

For $n=2$ (first excited state), $E_2=\frac{-13.6}{(2{)}^2}=-3.4$eV.

Hence, option C is correct.