Question:

A hydrogen atom makes a transition from \(n = 2\) to \(n = 1\) and emits a photon. This photon strikes a doubly ionized lithium atom (\(z = 3\)) in excited state and completely removes the orbiting electron. The least quantum number for the excited state of the ion for the process is :

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Photon energy from H (n = 2 to 1) is 10.2 eV; it must be at least the ionization energy \(13.6\,Z^2/n^2\) of Li\(^{2+}\) in level n.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Photon energy: \(E = 13.6\left(1 - \frac14\right) = 10.2\) eV.
Ionization energy of Li\(^{2+}\) from level \(n\): \(\frac{13.6\times 3^2}{n^2} = \frac{122.4}{n^2}\) eV.
To remove the electron completely we need \(\frac{122.4}{n^2} \le 10.2\Rightarrow n^2 \ge 12\Rightarrow n \ge 3.46\).
The least integer is \(n = 4\) (check: \(122.4/16 = 7.65\) eV \(\le 10.2\) eV, while for \(n=3\) the binding energy is 13.6 eV \(> 10.2\) eV).
Answer: (3) 4
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