Q157 / 160 · AP EAMCET 2019 (21 Apr Shift 2) · Physics

When a hydrogen atom emits a photon during a transition from n=4 to n=2, its recoil speed is about

  • A
    4.28 m s-1
  • Correct answer
    B
    0.814 m s-1
  • C
    2.07 m s-1
  • D
    0.407 m s-1

Solution

The expression for the momentum of the photon,

p=hλ

mv=hλ

v=hmλ

From the formula for the Bohr's for H-atom,

1λ=R1n12-1n22

Substitute the given values in the above equation.

1λ=1.097×107 122-142

⇒  λ=4.86×10-7 m

The recoil speed of photon is,

v=hmλ=6.62×10-341.6×10-27×4.86×10-7

⇒  v=0.8513 m s-1

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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