Question

An electron makes a transition from an excited state to the ground state of a hydrogen-like atom. Out of the following statements, which one is correct?

• A. K.E., P.E., and T.E. decreases.
• B. K.E. decreases, P.E. increases but total energy remains the same.
• C. K.E. increases but P.E. and T.E. decreases.
• D. K.E. and T.E. decreases but P.E. increases.

Hint:

In atomic transitions, remember that as the electron moves to a lower energy state, the kinetic energy increases and the total energy decreases due to the greater attraction between the electron and the nucleus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding energy transitions in hydrogen-like atoms.
When an electron makes a transition from an excited state to the ground state, it moves to a lower energy level. The kinetic energy (K.E.) of the electron increases because the electron is closer to the nucleus in the ground state. The potential energy (P.E.) decreases as the electron moves to a more stable state, and the total energy (T.E.) also decreases.
Step 2: Analyzing the energy changes.
In a hydrogen-like atom, the kinetic and potential energies are related, and when the electron transitions to the ground state, the total energy decreases. The correct statement is that the kinetic energy increases, but both the potential energy and the total energy decrease.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) K.E. increases but P.E. and T.E. decrease.