GRE Subject Test: Physics : Atomic Properties

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Physics

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All GRE Subject Test: Physics Resources

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Quantum Mechanics And Atomic Physics

What is the energy of the photon emitted when a Hydrogen atom makes a transition from the  to the  atomic energy level?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

, where  refers to the final and initial energy levels, respectively.

However, since the question asked what is the energy of the photon, it is the absolute value of the energy calculated above because of conservation of energy. The photon carries away the energy lost by the atom. 

 

Example Question #5 : Quantum Mechanics And Atomic Physics

What color will be emitted in the  to  transition in the Hydrogen Balmer series?

Possible Answers:

Yellow

Blue

Red

Violet

Green

Correct answer:

Violet

Explanation:

.

Here,  is the wavelength,  is the Rydberg constant,  for the Balmer series, and  refers to the upper atomic level (this is  in this case). Now, we just need to plug everything in, and solve for wavelength.

By inverting,  This is in the violet regime of the visible spectrum. 

All GRE Subject Test: Physics Resources

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