Question

According to the quantum-mechanical model for the hydrogen atom, which of the following transitions would produce light with longer wavelength: 3p to 2s or 4p to 2s?

A) The 3p to 2s transition would produce light with longer wavelength.

B) The 4p to 2s transition would produce light with longer wavelength.

Answer 1

The longer the wavelength the less energy it has. To go from a 4p to 2s it requires a lot more energy than going from 3p to 2s. The longer wavelength will be created by the electron transition from 3p to 2s.