When is hydrogen stable?a)When the electron jumps to higher energy lev...
The hydrogen atom is stable when the electron rests at the ground level of energy, i.e. when the principal quantum number, n = 1. In other words, when the electron is revolving in the first orbit around the nucleus, the hydrogen atom is stable.
When is hydrogen stable?a)When the electron jumps to higher energy lev...
Introduction:
Hydrogen is a chemical element with the atomic number 1, which means it has one proton in its nucleus. The stability of hydrogen refers to the state in which the electron is in its lowest energy level or ground state. Let's explore the options provided and understand why the correct answer is option 'D'.
Explanation:
a) When the electron jumps to higher energy levels:
- When an electron absorbs energy, it can jump to higher energy levels, which are further away from the nucleus.
- However, this is an excited state, and the electron is not stable in this position.
- Eventually, the electron will release the absorbed energy and return to its ground state, releasing photons.
b) When an electric field is introduced:
- Introduction of an electric field can influence the motion of charged particles like electrons.
- However, it does not directly affect the stability of the hydrogen atom.
- The electric field can cause the electron to move or accelerate, but it does not determine the stability of the electron in a particular energy state.
c) When a magnetic field is introduced:
- Similar to an electric field, a magnetic field can influence the motion of charged particles.
- However, it does not directly determine the stability of the hydrogen atom.
- The magnetic field can cause the electron to experience a force, but it does not influence the stability of the electron in a particular energy state.
d) When the electron is at its ground state:
- The ground state of an atom refers to the lowest energy level that an electron can occupy.
- In the case of hydrogen, the ground state corresponds to the electron being in the first energy level, closest to the nucleus.
- When the electron is in its ground state, it is at its most stable position within the hydrogen atom.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is option 'D' - When the electron is at its ground state. The stability of hydrogen is achieved when the electron occupies its lowest energy level, which is the ground state. The other options, such as the electron jumping to higher energy levels, introduction of electric or magnetic fields, do not directly determine the stability of the hydrogen atom.