A hydrogen atom initially in the ground | Class 12 Physics Chapter Atoms, Atoms NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 12 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter Atoms. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 6:

A hydrogen atom initially in the ground level absorbs a photon, which excites it to the n = 4 level. Determine the wavelength and frequency of the photon.

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 6:

A hydrogen atom initially in the ground level absorbs a photon, which excites it to the n = 4 level. Determine the wavelength and frequency of the photon.

Answer:

For ground level, n 1 = 1

Let E1 be the energy of this level. It is known that E1 is related with n1 as:

E1 = -13.6/n12 eV

= -13.6/12 = -13.6 eV

The atom is excited to a higher level, n2 = 4.

Let E2 be the energy of this level.

∴ E2 = -13.6/n22 eV

= -13.6/42 = -13.6/16 eV

The amount of energy absorbed by the photon is given as:

E = E2 - E1

= (-13.6 /16) - (-13.6/1)

= 13.6 X 15/16 eV

= (13.6 X 15/16) X 1.6 X 10-19 = 2.04 X 10-18 J

For a photon of wavelengthλ, the expression of energy is written as:

E = hc/λ

Where,

h = Planck’s constant = 6.6 × 10−34 Js

c = Speed of light = 3 × 108 m/s

∴ λ = hc/E

= (6.6x10-34x3x108)/(2.04x10-18)

= 9.7x10-8 m = 97 nm

And, frequency of a photon is given by the relation,

v = c/λ

= (3x108)/(9.7x10-8) ≈ 3.1 x 1015 Hz

Hence, the wavelength of the photon is 97 nm while the frequency is 3.1 × 1015 Hz.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Atoms.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 6: A hydrogen atom initially in the ground level absorbs a photon, which excites it to the n = 4 level.....

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