Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.

72 Atomic models and (b) Yes, it can.

The number of protons is equal to the
spectra number of electrons in an atom.
Checkpoint (c) No, it cannot.
Checkpoint 1 (p.50) According to Rutherford model, the
spectrum should contain a continuous range
1. B
of wavelengths.
Remember that most of the volume of the atom is
empty space. So most of the α particles pass
through the gold foil with very little or no Checkpoint 3 (p.64)
deflections.
1. (a) T
2. (a) Most of the volume of an atom is empty Every element has its unique line spectrum.
space.
(b) F
(b) All of the positive charge and most of the An atom jumps up to a higher energy level
mass of the atom are concentrated in a tiny when it absorbs a photon, and jumps down
region called nucleus. to the original energy level when it emits a
(c) The negatively charged electrons move in photon of the same wavelength (λ = hc/ΔE).
circular orbits around the nucleus. (c) F
3. (a) T On the contrary, the line spectra reveals that
This explains the existence of strong the energy of an atom can only take on a set
repulsive force that deflects the incident α of specific values.
particles at large angles. 2. C
(b) T The absorption lines should match the emission
lines.
(c) F
The nucleus must have a positive charge in
order to repel a positive α particle. Checkpoint 4 (p.71)
(d) F 1. (a) No
The nucleus is also very small but it can First, only those electrons moving around
deflect the α particles. The correct reason is the nucleus in the stationary orbits do not
that the mass of an electron is too small to emit energy.
have the α particles deflected.
Second, an orbiting electron emits energy
 The mass of an electron is about 1/2000 of when it moves into a smaller orbit.
the mass of a proton or a neutron, about
(b) No
1/8000 of the mass of an α particle.
The angular momentum of an orbiting

electron must be for some whole

number n.
Checkpoint 2 (p.53)
(c) Yes
1. (a) F The electron will move into a larger orbit.
If so, you would not even exist to read this
(d) No
book because you are made up of atoms too.
It is not part of the Bohr’s postulates. In fact
(b) T the nuclear structure is not a concern of
The EM radiation carries energy away. Bohr model.
(c) T 2. B
In the Rutherford model, an orbiting electron quantize = take on certain discrete values.
that loses some of its energy can move in a
smaller orbit of any radius.
Checkpoint 5 (p.76)
2. (a) Yes, it can.
Most of the volume of an atom is empty 1. (a) F
space. On the contrary, higher energy levels are
packed closer.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.2

 When n → ∞,

(b) T
by conservation of energy
(c) F
The energy must be equal or more than (b) 3
13.6 eV, the ionization energy. The extra Corresponding to three different transitions:
energy will be converted into the KE of the 3→2, 3→1, 2→1.
electron (now a free electron). 2. (a) No (b) No (c) No
2. B (d) Yes (e) Yes (f) Yes
Total energy carried = KE + PE. The energy carried E1 = −13.6 eV
by a stationary free electron is assigned to be zero. E2 = −3.40 eV
Negative energy indicates that the electron is E3 = −1.51 eV
under attraction. Positive energy indicates that it
ΔE(1→2) = 10.2 eV
is under repulsion.
ΔE(1→3) = 12.09 eV (ionization)
 KE is always positive because it is proportional
 A photon no longer exists when its energy is
to v2. PE can be positive or negative.
transferred to an atom. The energy transfer of a
 For an orbiting electron, its total energy is always photon is either all or nothing.
equal to half of its PE. Proof: The PE of an orbiting
electron is (see below). The total
energy is thus . But
the centrifugal force is .
Combining, we have .
 Expression : Assume the orbital
radius is slightly reduced from r1 to r2. The work
done by the electric force is

where r is some intermediate value. Since r1 and r2

do not differ much, we may replace r2 by the
product r1 r2 and obtain . But
the work is done at the expense of electrical PE.
Thus . Combining, we find the
expression for the electrical PE .
3. The first excited state is n = 2.
The fifth excited state is n= 6.
The excitation energy is

4. The fifth excited state is n= 6.

The required energy is

Checkpoint 6 (p.84)
1. (a) (i) From level 1 to level 2
(ii) From level 3 to level 1
The longer the wavelength, the larger is
the energy levels.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.3

4. (a) Light of some wavelengths is absorbed by

Exercise the Sun’s atmosphere.
Exercise 2.1 (p.56) (b) Hydrogen has its unique line spectrum. The
1. C solar line spectrum covers all the lines in the
Alpha particle scattering cannot reveal the hydrogen spectrum.
structure of the nucleus. (c) Direct a beam of white light through the gas.
2. B Observe the transmitted light through a
In Rutherford model, an electron is orbiting and diffraction grating.
always have centripetal acceleration. So a 5. An atom emits a photon when it jumps from a
Rutherford atom is expected to keep radiating higher to a lower energy level. The wavelengths of
energy. the peaks correspond to the energy difference
3. B between these levels.
A few α particles bounced back. (Because the energy levels only take on specific
values, the wavelengths must also take on specific
4. C
values.)
Unlike the Rutherford’s scattering, the incoming α
particle does enter the particle X.
5. D Exercise 2.3 (p.87)

6. (a) Because electrons are too light to deflect the 1. D

α particles All these three quantities are quantized:
• angular momentum L = nL0, where L0 = h/(2π) is
(b) Because the gold nucleus is much more
the min. possible angular momentum.
massive than an α particle
• radius r = n2 a0, where a0 ≈ 0.05 nm is the Bohr
(c) Larger radius.
(d) Paths: • energy E = −E0/n2, where E0 ≈ 13.6 eV is the
ionization energy.
In fact, they are closely related.
2. C
A photon is absorbed since the energy level
7. (a) Some α particles deflect at large angles. A increases.
few even bounce back. 3. B
(b) All positive charge and almost all the mass Ionization energy from n state
are concentrated at the centre.
(c) Discrete lines
(d) A Rutherford atom is expected to keep
The ground state is n = 1. The second excited state
radiating energy and collapse because an
is n = 3, while the fifth excited state is n = 6. Hence,
orbiting electron is always accelerating.
ΔE(3→∞) : ΔE(6→∞) = 1/32 : 1/62 = 36:9 = 4:1.
4. C
Exercise 2.2 (p.65) Solving −13.6/n2 = −0.168 yields n = 9.
1. D 5. A
An incandescent lamp, a burning candle and The ground state is n = 1. The fourth excited state
boiling water all undergo thermal emission. is n = 5 while the second excited state is n = 3.
(Unlike an incandescent lamp, boiling water emits
IR.)
2. A
The absorption emission of a low-pressure gas is a
line spectrum. (c.f. visible range = 400 to 700 nm).
3. A 6. A
What line spectra reveal is that, if an atom consists
Absorption ⇒ increase in energy level
of electrons orbiting a nucleus, the orbital radius
Longest wavelength ⇒ smallest ΔE
must take on specific values.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.4

7. D (ii) The ground state is n = 1. The second

In cases (1) & (3), the atom will be excited to n = 2. excited state is n = 3. The energy
The extra energy goes to the KE of the electron. required is
In case (2), the atom will be ionized.
8. C 11. (a) The energy of the photon
E = (−0.5) – (−1.5) = 1 eV
The wavelength of the photon

(b) By Rydberg formula,

9. (a) (i) The angular momentum can only be
integral multiples of a basic value.
(ii) The orbital radius is thus also The wavelength of the photon
quantized:

Because of circular motion, 12. (a) a = the final state

b = the initial state
(b) From the difference of energy levels,
(b) (i) The model assumes that the electron
can orbit stably in certain allowed
orbits without radiating energy.
(Effectively, the model assumes that the
orbiting electron is a stationary wave
vibrating around its orbit.)
Comparing with the Rydberg formula,
(ii) Emission lines: A photon is emitted
when an atom jumps down from a
higher energy level E1 to a lower or R ≈ 1.09 × 107 nm−1
energy level E2. The frequency f of the
(c) Shortest λ ⇒ largest ΔE ⇒ state n = ∞→1
photon is given by hf = E2 − E1. Hence,
1/λ = R (1 − 0) = R λλ = 91.4 nm
only photons with specific frequencies
(or wavelengths) are emitted.  For the transitions between two successive
Absorption lines: A photon is absorbed states, the shortest wavelength photon is
when an atom jumps up from a lower given by n = 2→1. Using Rydberg formula,
energy level to a higher level. Hence,
only photons with specific frequencies
can be absorbed. 13. (a) The electron is attracted by the nucleus.
10. (a) E3 = −1.51 eV (b) n = 1 (ground state)
E2 = −3.40 eV n = 2 (first excited state)
E1 = − 13.6 eV
The ground state is the state corresponding
(b) (i) The photon is not absorbed. The to the lowest energy level of the atom.
hydrogen atom remains in the ground
The first excited state is the state
state.
corresponding to the second lowest energy
(ii) The photon is absorbed. The hydrogen level of the atom.
atom is excited to the n = 3 state.
(c) The energy level is the energy level
(c) (i) To ionize an atom means to remove the corresponding to the state that the
outermost electron of the atom so that outermost electron just acquires enough
the atom becomes an ion. The removed energy to escape from the attraction of the
electron becomes a free electron. nucleus (i.e. ionized).
(Put it another way, it means to excite
(d) 10 eV: no transition
the atom to state or above.)
20 eV: ionized to above state .
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.5

14. (a) 7. B
The three states are c, a, b in the ascending order
of energy:

∴ Eb = E1 + 10.2 eV
Ec = E1 + 12.1 eV
The ratio of the energy difference is thus
(b) ΔE(b, c) = ΔE(1, c) − ΔE(1, b)

8. A

In fact, b = 2, and c = 3. 9. D
Chapter Exercise
Note
Chapter Ex. MC (p.92)
1. A
In classical theory, the mechanical energy of an 10. D
orbiting electron depends on the orbital radius:
The atom can absorb a photon carrying energy
more than 4E (i.e. of wavelength shorter than λ)
and becomes ionized.
2. A
For photons carrying energy less than 4E (i.e. of
(1) is incorrect. On the contrary, X is a constituent wavelength longer than λ), only a set of particular
of Z. values can be absorbed.
(3) is incorrect. The gases emit EM waves of Start with the difference of two energy levels
specific wavelengths, but in all directions.
3. D
(1) is incorrect. On the contrary, the elements For the transition from state n = 1 to 2, we have
responsible for the dark lines are present in the
gas.
For the transition from state n = 1 to 3, we have
4. C
Brightness of the spectral lines is determined by
number of photons emitted. More transitions, Hence, the wavelengths in (1), (2) and (3) could be
more photons is produced. found in the spectrum.
Option A is incorrect. It is true that the photons 11. C
corresponding to line X has higher frequency f and
The orbital radius for state n is
hence has higher energy hf. But light intensity is
independent of light frequency.
where a0 is the Bohr radius. Note that the state n =
Options B and D are simply wrong.
1 is the ground state, n = 2 is the first excited state,
5. B etc. Thus the ratio
The difference between the two initial energy
levels is 12. D
The key is electron is not massive. The mass of an
electron is only about 1/1800 of the mass of an
The wavelength of the line corresponding to the alpha particle. Option A is incorrect because the
transition between these two levels is nucleus is also very small but it can deflect the α
particles.
13. C

6. A Atoms should be unstable for an orbiting electron

has centripetal acceleration and radiates energy.
Options B, C and D involve the concept of
quantization.
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.6

Atomic spectra should be continuous for an (f) To search for new particles (1A)

excited electron can move into a smaller orbit of To study the structure of atomic nucleus (1A)
any radius.
17. (a) To produce a narrow parallel beam (1A)
14. C
(b) A continuous spectrum would be obtained.
The quantum number n = 1 corresponds to the (1A)
ground state. Excited from n = 1 to n = 3, the atom
Because in the Rutherford’s model the
absorbs a photon carrying energy
electrons can move into an orbit of any
radius, the photon emitted can carry energy
of any value and hence any wavelength. (1A)
where E* is the ionization energy from the ground
state. Solving, we get (c) (i) The grating separation

 OR: Only option A or C is possible because the The first bright fringe (m = 1) is located
ionization energy must be larger than the energy at 14.2°. Applying ,
for the excitation n = 1 to 3. Note also the square in
. Thus C is the best answer.
15. C
The extra energy over the ionization energy will
be converted to the KE of the escaped electron. For (ii) Energy
excitations other than ionization, the energy
absorbed must be equal to the difference of two
energy states. On the other hand, an inelastic
collision involves excitation while a perfectly
elastic one does not. (iii) Energy

Chapter Ex. SQ (p.94)

E(n=1) = −13.6 eV
16. (a) To produce a narrow beam of α particles in
E(n=2) = −3.4 eV
one direction. (1A)
E(n=3) = −1.51 eV
(b) The range of α ray is too short in air, only
several centimetres. (1A) E(n=4) = −0.85 eV

(c) A (most) (1A) The transition is n=4 to 2. (3A)

C (least) (1A) 18. (a) Direct a beam of white light to the hydrogen
(d) Most of the volume of an atom is empty gas. (1A)
space. (1A) Observe the transmitted light through a
This explains why most of the α particles plane transmission grating. (1A)
pass through the gold foil with very little or (b) From Bohr’s model
no deflections. (1A)
All the positive charge and almost all the
mass of an atom are concentrated in the Photon energy in the Balmer series
small nucleus at the centre of the atom. (1A)
Since the nucleus is small, only a few of the α
particles bounce back or deflect at large Wavelength in the Balmer series
angles. (1A)
(e) Atomic stability: A Rutherford atom should
emit EM radiation and lose energy because
Compared it with the given equation,
the orbiting electron has centripetal
acceleration.
Line spectrum: An excited Rutherford atom
should emit a continuous spectrum because
the electron can move into a smaller orbit of
any radius. (1A)
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.7

(c) Shortest wavelength ⇒ biggest jump (b) In Bohr’s model, a photon is emitted when
⇒ m=∞ an electron move into a stable orbit of lower
energy. (1A)
The energy E = hf of the photon equals the
Longest wavelength ⇒ smallest jump energy difference between these two stable
⇒m=3 orbits. (1A)
Because the stable orbits are discrete, only
particular wavelengths (i.e. particular
photon energies) exist in the emission
The spectral lines in the Balmer series
spectrum. (1A)
belong to the visible range. (1A)
(c) The ionization energy required is
(d) No (1A)
There is no two energy levels, whose
difference is hc/420 eV. (1A)
The energy of the photon is equal to the
19. (a) (i) The ionization energy of hydrogen is difference between n = 3 and n = 2:

(ii) The transition corresponding to the

But the energy of photon of 362 nm is
minimum excitation energy is n = 1 to
2. (1A)

So the ionization energy required is

(b) (i) When a gas is being heated, energy is 21. (a) (i) E1 = −14 × (1.6 × 10−19) ≈ −2 × 10−18 J (1A)

transferred from the heat source to the (ii) E2 = −20 × 10−19/4 = −5 × 10−19 J (1A)
gas, raising its temperature. (1A) −19
E3 = −20 × 10 /9 = −2 × 10 −19
J (1A)
Increasing the gas temperature
increases the average kinetic energy of
the gas atoms, causing gas atoms
collide more frequently and vigorously
with each other. (1A)
As a result, some gas atoms are able to
obtain sufficient energy for excitation
through inelastic collisions. (1A)

(ii) By , the temperature T' is

(iii) As the electron leaves the nucleus, its

(iii) Gas atoms have a range of kinetic energy has to increase. (1A)
energy and the gas temperature When electron is separate from the
reflects only its average kinetic energy. nucleus, energy is zero. (1A)
(1A)
(b) (i) For the atom excited to n = 2 state by
Even at a temperature below T' =
collision, the electron leaving it has
105 000 K, some of the gas atoms have
18 × 10−19 – (22 × 10−19 – 5 × 10−19)
high enough kinetic energy to ionize
= 1 × 10-19 J. (2A)
through inelastic collision. (1A)
(ii) The wavelength of a photon
(c) Bombarding gas atoms with energetic
particles, for example high-energy electrons,
can ionize the atoms. (1A)
20. (a) The angular momentum of the electron is
quantized.

It can only be integral multiples of . (1A)

Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.8

OR: consists of dark lines in a white light

spectrum. (1A)

23. (a) The negative sign means that the electron is

bound to the atom due to the attractive force
(iii) Electron is raised to n = 3 by the between the nucleus and the electron. Work
collision. (1A) is required in removing the electron to
Photons emitted by n = 3 to 2, n = 2 to infinity. (1A)
1, and n = 3 to 1. (1A) (b) Any two: (2A)

• The electron can only move into discrete

stationary orbits with specific values of
energy.
• The atom can only emit or absorb a photon
when it jumps between two energy levels.
• The angular momentum of the electron is
quantized, i.e. it can only be integral
multiples of h/(2π).

22. (a) The energy of an atom can only take on (c) (i) Energy of UV photon
certain discrete values. These allowable
values are called the energy levels of the
atom. (2A)
(b) A photon is a quantum of light. The energy of
light is emitted or absorbed only in discrete
packets (or quanta). Each photon carries
energy E = hf, where h is the Planck's
Solving, we get
constant, and f is the frequency of light. (2A)
(c) An atom is excited from a lower energy level
(ii) The energy of the photons does not
to a higher energy level by absorbing a
match the differences between the
photon. The absorption spectrum consists of
ground state energy level and other
the spectral lines corresponding to these
energy levels of hydrogen. (1A)
photons. (1A)
(iii) There are three possible transitions.
Directing white light onto the atom and (1A)
observing the transmitted light through a
The hydrogen atom is in excited state
grating produces the absorption spectrum.
(1A)
n = 3.
(d) The energy of the photon absorbed must be
equal to the energy difference between the
two energy levels. (1A)
Since the energy levels are discrete, the
wavelengths of the absorbed photons are
also discrete. So, only certain lines are seen Energy difference: (1A)

in the absorption spectrum. (1A)

3→1: ΔE = E3 – E1 = 12.1 eV
(e) Production: An emission spectrum is 3→2: ΔE = E3 – E2 = 1.89 eV
produced by observing the emitted light by 2→1: ΔE = E2 – E1 = 10.2 eV
the excited atoms. An absorption spectrum is
The transition from n = 3 to 2
produced by illuminating the atoms with
corresponds to visible light as 1.89 eV
white light and observing the transmitted
is within the corresponding range. (1A)
light. (1A)
24. (a) (i) The transition is n = 2 to 1.
Appearance: An emission spectrum consists
of bright lines while an absorption spectrum Energy of the photon emitted
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises 72Atomic models and spectra | p.9

Wavelength of the photon emitted

This radiation belongs to the ultra-

violet region. (1A)
(ii) Absorbing 4.86 eV, the atom is excited
from ground state to energy level
−7.52 + 4.86 = −2.66 eV
i.e. level C. (1A)

(iii) Photon energy of violet light (400 nm)

=3.11 eV
Photon energy of red light (700 nm)

The energy difference between the two

levels should be within the range 1.78
eV to 3.11 eV. (1A)
Visible light is emitted for the
transitions:
from level C to A
from level A to the ground state (n = 1)
(2A)

(b) (i) Red: atom Z

Green: atom X
Blue: atom Y (2A)

(ii) The energy of the electron beam can be

the same. (1A)
The coating atom can absorb part of
the KE of the incident electron. (1A)
25. Apply a high voltage across electrodes AB. The gas
atoms would be excited. (1A)
When the gas atoms return to the ground state, a
characteristic spectrum would be observed. (1A)
Compare the spectrum observed with the helium
spectrum. If α particles are actually helium nuclei,
the two spectra should match. (1A)