## Energy Level transition in hydrogen atom

H-Atom ($E_{n}=-\frac{hR}{n^{2}}$)

ShravanPatel2B
Posts: 100
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:18 am

### Energy Level transition in hydrogen atom

I did a practice problem (which I will post here) but I am not sure whether I went about it the right way. If someone could please tell me if my answer and process is correct, it would be much appreciated.

PROBLEM : An excited hydrogen atom emits light with frequency of 1.14 x 10^14 Hz to reach the n = 4 energy level. in what principle quantum level did it begin?

I used equation with Rydbergs constant in it and solved for n1. It came out to be n1 = 3.

Thanks!

Christine Honda 2I
Posts: 116
Joined: Sat Sep 14, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: Energy Level transition in hydrogen atom

Frequency = -R [(1/n*2) - (1/N*2)]
in which "n" is the initial energy level, and "N" is the final energy level and we are supposed to solve for "n"

1.14x10^14 = -3.29x10^15 [(1/n^2) - (1/4^2)]

Solving for n, I ended up with n=6!

ShravanPatel2B
Posts: 100
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:18 am

### Re: Energy Level transition in hydrogen atom

why is the R negative in your equation?