Rankers Physics

Atomic Structure: Practice Problem & Solution

When a hydrogen atom is raised from the ground state to an excited state, (1995)
Both K.E. and P.E. increase
Both K.E. and P.E. decrease
The P.E. decreases and K.E. increases
The P.E. increases and K.E. decreases.

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:

Kinetic energy $K.E. \propto \frac{1}{n^2}$, so it decreases as $n$ increases. Total energy $E = -\frac{13.6}{n^2} eV$ increases (becomes less negative). Since $P.E. = 2E$, potential energy also becomes less negative, meaning it increases.

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