Math Problem Statement

Calculate the energy difference for a transition in the Paschen series for a transition from the higher energy shell n=6�=6 .

Express your answer to four significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Solution

The Paschen series corresponds to electron transitions to the n=3n = 3 energy level in a hydrogen atom. For this problem, you are asking for the energy difference for a transition from n=6n = 6 to n=3n = 3.

The energy of an electron in the hydrogen atom is given by the formula:

En=13.6eVn2E_n = -\frac{13.6 \, \text{eV}}{n^2}

where nn is the principal quantum number, and the energy is in electron volts (eV).

To find the energy difference between n=6n = 6 and n=3n = 3, calculate the energy of both levels and then subtract:

ΔE=E6E3\Delta E = E_6 - E_3

Step 1: Calculate E6E_6

E6=13.6eV62=13.6eV36=0.3778eVE_6 = -\frac{13.6 \, \text{eV}}{6^2} = -\frac{13.6 \, \text{eV}}{36} = -0.3778 \, \text{eV}

Step 2: Calculate E3E_3

E3=13.6eV32=13.6eV9=1.5111eVE_3 = -\frac{13.6 \, \text{eV}}{3^2} = -\frac{13.6 \, \text{eV}}{9} = -1.5111 \, \text{eV}

Step 3: Calculate the energy difference

ΔE=E3E6=(1.5111eV)(0.3778eV)\Delta E = E_3 - E_6 = (-1.5111 \, \text{eV}) - (-0.3778 \, \text{eV}) ΔE=1.5111+0.3778=1.1333eV\Delta E = -1.5111 + 0.3778 = -1.1333 \, \text{eV}

Thus, the energy difference for the transition from n=6n = 6 to n=3n = 3 is:

1.133eV\boxed{1.133 \, \text{eV}}

Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How does the Paschen series differ from the Lyman or Balmer series?
  2. What are the units of energy commonly used in atomic transitions?
  3. How does the energy level spacing change as nn increases in hydrogen?
  4. What is the physical meaning of a negative energy value in this context?
  5. How does the wavelength of light emitted relate to the energy difference?

Tip: The greater the difference in energy levels, the shorter the wavelength of the emitted photon!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quantum Mechanics
Atomic Transitions
Energy Levels in Hydrogen Atom

Formulas

E_n = -13.6 eV / n^2
ΔE = E_final - E_initial

Theorems

Bohr Model of the Atom
Energy Level Formula for Hydrogen Atom

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12, College Level Physics