Question:

The recoil speed of a hydrogen atom after it emits a photon in going from n = 5 state to n = 1 state will be :

Show Hint

Find the photon energy from the Bohr levels, convert to photon momentum \(E/c\), and use momentum conservation: \(m v = E/c\).
Updated On: Nov 4, 2026
  • 4.34 m/s
  • 2.19 m/s
  • 3.25 m/s
  • 4.17 m/s
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Photon energy \(E = 13.6\left(1 - \frac{1}{25}\right) = 13.6 \times 0.96 = 13.056\) eV \(= 13.056 \times 1.6\times10^{-19} = 2.09\times10^{-18}\) J.
Photon momentum \(p = E/c = \frac{2.09\times10^{-18}}{3\times10^{8}} = 6.96\times10^{-27}\) kg m/s.
Momentum conservation (atom initially at rest): \(m v = p\), so \(v = \frac{p}{m} = \frac{6.96\times10^{-27}}{1.67\times10^{-27}} \approx 4.17\) m/s.
Answer: (4) 4.17 m/s
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top JEE Main Physics Questions

View More Questions

Top JEE Main Dual nature of radiation and matter Questions

View More Questions