I took a screenshot of the question to make it easier to understand. :)
Can someone teach me how to do this? I don't seem to understand the questions when it comes to the excited states (n=#) :/

Question

I took a screenshot of the question to make it easier to understand. :) 
Can someone teach me how to do this? I don't seem to understand the questions when it comes to the excited states (n=#) :/

vane11 · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

Here, it seems you need to find the difference in energy states in order to determine whether or not a photon will be absorbed or not.

From n1-n2 we get an energy difference of 51
n1-n3=75
n1-n4=81

From the hint, we know that the energies of photons must match the above energies in order to be absorbed right?

However, if the energy is too high, a photon has enough energy to knock an electron from the atom.  This is known as ionizing energy(i believe, a bit rusty on gen chem)

So, knowing all these facts, what can you say about what will happen to these photons of different energies? :D

Hope this helps!

anonymous · Answer

Also, something important to note from your screenshot Vane11, If the energy of the photon doesn't match the difference in energy, it will not be absorbed.

vane11 · Answer

Ok, so lets take the first one, for ex, it was -96 and the new energy is 96 so do I subtract them or do I find the difference between them?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, you must find the difference between the energy levels.
So from n1 to n2:
n2-n1=-45-(-96)=51

vane11 · Answer

wait but if we do that dont the two - become positive

anonymous · Answer

yes, sorry, my math brain is a bit off today, haha *corrected*^

vane11 · Answer

ohh I just saw the - in front of 45 srry

vane11 · Answer

haha you were right

anonymous · Answer

So, knowing that n1 to n2's energy level difference is 51, which photon will be absorbed?

vane11 · Answer

D ?

anonymous · Answer

Correct! :D

Now, apply the same concept i just taught you for the other energy levels.  From there, you should be able to figure you which photons will be absorbed and at which energy levels.

While doing this, keep in mind that if the photon's energy doesn't match the differences we are finding, then the photon won't be absorbed.

Also, remember that thing I said about Ionizing Energy? That applies to one of the photons in your problem

anonymous · Answer

Also, we don't need to know the difference between the sublevels, like n2-n3.....this concept only applies to the ground state(n1) and the excitation levels(n2,n3,n4 etc)

vane11 · Answer

Alright, I'll keep going from there, thank you!

anonymous · Answer

Np, glad to help a fellow chem student!