The electronic transitions from n = 2 to n = 1 will produce shortest w...
Hence, for shortest λ, z must be maximum, which is for Li+2.
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The electronic transitions from n = 2 to n = 1 will produce shortest w...
Explanation:
1. Electronic Transitions:
Electronic transitions occur when an electron in an atom moves from one energy level to another. The energy levels in an atom are represented by principal quantum numbers (n), where n = 1, 2, 3, ... Each energy level corresponds to a specific amount of energy that an electron possesses.
2. Principal Quantum Numbers:
The principal quantum number (n) determines the size and energy of the electron's orbital. The lowest energy level, n = 1, is closest to the nucleus, while higher energy levels are progressively further away. As the distance between the electron and the nucleus increases, the energy of the electron also increases.
3. Shortest Wavelength:
The wavelength of light emitted during an electronic transition is inversely proportional to the energy difference between the initial and final energy levels. The larger the energy difference, the shorter the wavelength of light emitted.
4. Li, He, H:
- Li (Atomic Number 3): Lithium has three electrons. The electronic transition from n = 2 to n = 1 involves the transition of one electron from the second energy level to the first energy level.
- He (Atomic Number 2): Helium has two electrons. The electronic transition from n = 2 to n = 1 involves the transition of one electron from the second energy level to the first energy level.
- H (Atomic Number 1): Hydrogen has one electron. The electronic transition from n = 2 to n = 1 involves the transition of one electron from the second energy level to the first energy level.
5. Reasoning:
The energy difference between the n = 2 and n = 1 energy levels is the greatest for Li compared to He and H. This is because Li has more protons in the nucleus, leading to a stronger attraction between the electron and the nucleus. As a result, the energy required for the electron to transition from the second energy level to the first energy level is higher in Li compared to He and H.
Since the wavelength of light emitted is inversely proportional to the energy difference, Li will produce the shortest wavelength of light among the given options (Li, He, and H) when the electron transitions from the n = 2 to n = 1 energy level.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' (Li).