The lines in the emission spectrum of hydrogen can be correlated to transitions of electrons from higher energy levels to lower energy levels because the photons emitted have specific wavelengths.
The statement above is true but why is it true??
2007-01-13 07:43:15 · 3 answers · asked by jsock 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
This is a basic fact of quantum mechanics. When an electron of an atom is energized (by a flame, electricity, etc.) it moves from a lower energy level orbital to a higher energy level. The electron then returns back to a lower level, because it seeks the stabilitiy of a lower energy orbital. When it returns, it gives back the excess energy as electromagnetic waves. The specific wave length is directly related to exactly how much energy is given back. The higher the energy, the higher the frequency of the wave. If the wave frequency happens to be within the visible light range, we see a color.
2007-01-13 08:03:31 · answer #1 · answered by reb1240 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only short answer i have is to go take a cless in physical chemitry to understand the relaionship pd enery and ataomic radii.
2007-01-13 07:50:03 · answer #2 · answered by phyteacher 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think you are looking for E=hf.
2007-01-13 07:52:58 · answer #3 · answered by christopher N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋