Calculate the energy change when an electron falls from the n =5 energy level to the n = 1 energy level in a hydrogen atom.

Question

Calculate the energy change when an electron falls from the n =5 energy level to the n = 1 energy level in a hydrogen atom. AE =-2.178 × 10^-18 J( 1/2 n final -1/2 n final)

Answer 1

∆E = R_H (1/nf² - 1/ni²)

∆E = change in energy = ?

RH = constant = -2.178x10^-18 J

n_f = final energy level = 1

n_i = initial energy level = 5

∆E = -2.178x10^-18 J (1/1 - 1/25) = -2.178x10^-18 J (0.96)

∆E = -2.09x10^-18 J (the sign is negative because energy is given off going from level 5 to level 1)