If the electrons in a collection of hydrogen atoms are raised to the n = 6 excited state, how many different wavelengths of light will be emitted as the atoms relax to their ground state? (a) 16 (b) 15 (c) 12 (d) 10 (e) 1

(e) 1

Explanation:

Each atom has some energy levels and each energy level requires an electron to have certain amount of energy to reside in that energy level. Similarly, in order to excite the hydrogen atoms to a state n =6, its electrons must be provided a certain amount of energy that is constant. This energy is provided in form of photons. These photons have a constant wavelength as a result of constant energy. So, when these electrons go back to the ground state, they emit photons of same wavelength to release the energy they absorbed. Hence, only 1 wavelength is produced when atoms relax to their ground state from n = 6.

Therefore, the correct answer will be:

(e) 1