There are only two H atoms in a system; sufficient radiation excites both electrons from ground state to n=4. Find the maximum possible number of emitted different wavelengths.

Question

TestHub · Accepted Answer

Only two atoms emit, not an ensemble sampling all six level pairs. Each descending 4→1 cascade has at most three photons. One atom may take 4→3→2→1 and the other 4→1, giving four distinct transitions. Two three-step paths coincide; any two-step path shares a transition with the three-step cascade. Thus no pair gives more than four distinct wavelengths. Answer 4.

Chemistry - Atomic Structure Question with Solution | TestHub

Doubts & Discussion