Question

The energies, E, for the first few states of an unknown element are shown here in arbitrary units:

n= 1, E=-96
n=2, E=-45
n=3, E=-21
n=4, E=-15
...,...
infinity, 0

A gaseous sample of this element is bombarded by photons of various energies (in these same units). Match each photon to the result of its absorption (or lack thereof) by an n=1 electron.

Photon/Energy:
A/96
B/75
C/69
D/51

Possible answers:
n=1 to n=2
n=1 to n=3
n=1 to n=4
electron ejected
not absorbed

I think C is n=1 to n=3 but im not sure

Answer 1

No, that answer is not right. I make a chart like this.

infinity, 0
n=4, E=-15
n=3, E=-21
n=2, E=-45
n= 1, E=-96
Now you want to determine the difference between energy levels. I start with n = 1 and go to n = 2. That would be the first possible absorption of a photon. That difference is 96 - 45 = 51. I look at the answers and 51 says that is answer D and the absorption of N = 1 to N = 2
Next might be n = 1 to n = 3. That difference is 96-21 = 75. I pick answer B for the absorption n = 1 to n = 3.
When I've finished with n = 1 to n = ?? then I go to the differences between n - 2 and n = 3, 4, infinity, etc. I'll leave the others for you.