The allowed energies of a simple atom are 0.0 eV, 4.0 eV , and 6.0 eV.. Part A W

Question

The allowed energies of a simple atom are 0.0 eV, 4.0 eV , and 6.0 eV..

Part A
What wavelengths appear in the atom's emission spectrum?
Express your answer numerically using two significant figures. If there is more than one answer, enter each answer separated by a comma.
emission = ____________nm

Part B
What wavelengths appear in the atom's absorption spectrum?
Express your answer numerically using two significant figures. If there is more than one answer, enter each answer separated by a comma.
absorption = ___________nm

Explanation / Answer

Like the previous poster said, the energy levels can fluctuate between 0, 4, and 6 eV. Every time the atom's energy level changes, it absorbs or emits a photon whose energy is equal to the difference between the levels.

If the energy level jumps up, it must have absorbed a photon.

If the energy level drops, it will emit a photon.

So you have three possible changes: between 0 and 4, which is a 4 eV photon coming or going;

between 0 and 6, which is a 6 eV photon;

and between 4 and 6, which is a 2 eV photon.

To go from eV to wavelengh, you use the formula E = hc/ and solve for .

= hc/E where is the wavelength you want, h is Plancks constant, 4.136 * 10-15 eV-s, c is the speed of light 2.99 * 108 m/s, and E is either 2, 4, or 6 eV.

Plug in the three values for E and you'll get three values for , which is what you want for both parts.

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