NECO 2004 Physics · Question 10

An electron makes a transition from - 1.60 eV energy level to - 10.4eV energy level Calculate the energy loss due to the transition.

Options

A.16.64eV
B.12.00eV
C.10.40eV
D.8.80eV
E.6.50eV

Answer: D. 8.80eV

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: An electron drops from a higher energy level (-1.60 eV) to a lower one (-10.4 eV). We need the energy lost, which is the energy of the photon emitted. Concept: When an electron moves between energy levels, the energy change is ΔE = E_initial − E_final If the electron moves to a lower level, it loses energy, and that energy is released as a photon (hf = E_initial − E_final). Solution: E_initial = −1.60 eV E_final = −10.4 eV ΔE = (−1.60) − (−10.4) ΔE = −1.60 + 10.4 ΔE = 8.80 eV The energy lost in the transition is 8.80 eV. Check: −10.4 eV is lower than −1.60 eV, so the electron really is moving downward and releasing energy. The difference 10.4 − 1.60 = 8.80 confirms it. Tip: Be careful with the negative signs. Always subtract the lower level from the higher one: (higher) − (lower). Don't just pick 10.40 eV, which is the energy level itself, not the difference. With negative energy levels, the number closer to zero is the higher level.

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