Physics

Problem

An element has three excited states relative to its ground state

E_0

E_1 = 2.10\,\text{eV}

E_2 = 3.26\,\text{eV}

, and

E_3 = 4.85\,\text{eV}

. A spectral line at wavelength

590\,\text{nm}

appears in its emission spectrum. (Use the conversion

E\,(\text{eV}) = 1240/\lambda\,(\text{nm})

.) Which transition between the states most likely produced this line? a)

E_{3}\rightarrow E_{2}

E_{0}\rightarrow E_{1}

E_{1}\rightarrow E_{0}

E_{3}\rightarrow E_{1}