An electron in a hydrogen atom moves from level 3 to level 1. In a second hydrogen atom, an electron drops from level 2 to level 1. Which statement describes the most likely result?
Answer
A
The first atom emits light with more energy.
B
The second atom emits light with more energy.
C
The first and second atoms absorb energy without emitting light.
D
The first and second atoms emit light with the same amount of energy.
Explanation
When an electron drops to a lower energy level, the atom emits a photon whose energy equals the difference between the levels. The drop from level 3 to level 1 spans a larger energy difference than the drop from level 2 to level 1, so the first atom emits light with more energy.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.