Question

When a hydrogen atom is raised from the ground state to the fifth state

• A. both KE and PE increase
• B. both KE and PE decrease
• C. PE increases and KE decreases
• D. PE decreases and KE increases

Hint:

In atomic physics, when an electron moves to a higher energy level, the potential energy increases and the kinetic energy decreases.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

When a hydrogen atom transitions from a lower energy state to a higher energy state, its potential energy (PE) increases because it is farther from the nucleus. However, the kinetic energy (KE) decreases because the atom is in a higher energy state and the electron moves more slowly as the energy levels increase. Hence, the correct answer is (c).