Rankers Physics

Atomic Structure: Practice Problem & Solution

The energy of hydrogen atom in $n^{th}$ orbit is $E_n$ then the energy in $n^{th}$ orbit of singly ionised helium atom will be: (2001)
$4 E_n$
$E_n/4$
$2 E_n$
$E_n/2$

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Atomic Structure. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Energy of an electron in a hydrogen-like atom is $E \propto Z^2$. For hydrogen $Z=1$, $E = E_n$. For singly ionised helium ($He^+$), $Z=2$. Therefore, the energy in the same orbit is $2^2 E_n = 4 E_n$.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *