Two H atoms in the ground state collide inelastically. The maximum amount by which their combined kinetic energy is reduced is
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In inelastic collision kinetic energy is not conserved so some part of K.E. is lost.
Reduction in K.E. = K.E. before collision – K.E. after collision
Now, since initial K.E. of each of two hydrogen atoms in ground state 
Total K.E. of both hydrogen atom before collision 
If one H atom goes over to first excited state 
and other remains in ground state 
then their combined K.E. after collision is
Hence reduction in K.E. 
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