Hydrogen atom: quantum mechanical treatment
Quantum Chemistry (UG) · Chemistry
Bohr atom
Interactive 3DElectrons orbit the nucleus in shells — switch element to see H, He and Li fill their shells.
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Study notes
The electron in hydrogen drops from n=3 to n=2. What wavelength of light is emitted? Step 1: Eₙ = -13.6/n² eV. E₃ = -1.51 eV, E₂ = -3.40 eV. Step 2: ΔE = E₃ - E₂ = -1.51 + 3.40 = 1.89 eV. Step 3: λ = hc/ΔE = 1240 eV·nm / 1.89 eV ≈ 656 nm. Step 4: Red light — this is the famous H-alpha line seen in nebulae and the Sun!