The electron in a hydrogen atom makes a transition from an …

Physics Atomic and Nuclear Physics Atomic Structure MCQ (Single Correct)

The electron in a hydrogen atom makes a transition from an excited state to the ground state. Which of the following statements is true?

Its kinetic energy increases and its potential and total energies decrease

Its kinetic energy decreases, potential energy increases and its total energy remains the same

Its kinetic and total energies decrease and its potential energy increases

Its kinetic, potential and total energies decreases

Text Solution

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The correct answer is:

(with positive sign)
Potential energy U is negative and

(because )
Similarly total energy (with negative sign)
Therefore, when an electron jumps from some excited state to the ground state, value of will decrease. Therefore, kinetic energy will increase (with positive sign), potential energy and total energy will also increase but with negative sign. Thus, finally kinetic energy will increase, while potential and total energies will decrease.