Which of the following electronic transitions requires that the greate...
Explanation:
To determine which electronic transition requires the greatest quantity of energy to be absorbed by a hydrogen atom, we need to compare the energy differences between the initial and final states of each transition.
a) n = 1 to n = 2
In this transition, the electron moves from the first energy level (n = 1) to the second energy level (n = 2). The energy difference between these two levels is given by the equation:
ΔE = -13.6 eV * (1/1^2 - 1/2^2) = 10.2 eV
b) n = 2 to n = 4
In this transition, the electron moves from the second energy level (n = 2) to the fourth energy level (n = 4). The energy difference between these two levels is given by the equation:
ΔE = -13.6 eV * (1/2^2 - 1/4^2) = 3.4 eV
c) n = 3 to n = 6
In this transition, the electron moves from the third energy level (n = 3) to the sixth energy level (n = 6). The energy difference between these two levels is given by the equation:
ΔE = -13.6 eV * (1/3^2 - 1/6^2) = 2.7 eV
d) n = 3 to n = 5
In this transition, the electron moves from the third energy level (n = 3) to the fifth energy level (n = 5). The energy difference between these two levels is given by the equation:
ΔE = -13.6 eV * (1/3^2 - 1/5^2) = 1.7 eV
From the calculations, we can see that the transition from n = 1 to n = 2 requires the greatest quantity of energy to be absorbed by the hydrogen atom, with an energy difference of 10.2 eV. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A'.