Chapter 39

1. Since En ∝ L– 2 in Eq. 39-4, we see that if L is doubled, then E1 becomes (2.6 eV)(2)– 2
= 0.65 eV.

2. We first note that since h = 6.626 × 10–34 J·s and c = 2.998 × 108 m/s,

hc =
c6.626 × 10 −34
hc h= 1240 eV ⋅ nm.
J ⋅ s 2.998 × 108 m / s
c1602
. × 10 −19
c10 m / nmh
J / eVh −9

Using the mc2 value for an electron from Table 37-3 (511 × 103 eV), Eq. 39-4 can be
rewritten as

En =
n2h2
=
n 2 hc
2

.
bg
8mL2 8 mc 2 L2 c h
The energy to be absorbed is therefore

∆E = E4 − E1 =
(4 2
− 12 ) h 2
=
15 ( hc )
2

=
15 (1240eV ⋅ nm )
2

= 90.3eV.
8 ( me c 2 ) L2 8 ( 511× 103 eV ) ( 0.250nm )
2
8me L2

3. We can use the mc2 value for an electron from Table 37-3 (511 × 103 eV) and hc =
1240 eV · nm by writing Eq. 39-4 as

En =
n2h2
=
n 2 hc bg
.
2

8mL2 8 mc 2 L2c h
For n = 3, we set this expression equal to 4.7 eV and solve for L:

L=
bg
n hc
=
b g = 0.85 nm.
3 1240 eV ⋅ nm
8c
mc h
E 2
n 8c b4.7 eVg
511 × 10 eVh 3

4. With m = mp = 1.67 × 10– 27 kg, we obtain

 h 2  2  ( 6.63 × 10−34 J.s ) 

2


2 ( )
2
E1 =  2 
n = 1 = 3.29 × 10−21 J = 0.0206 eV.
 8(1.67 ×10 kg) (100 × 10 m ) 
 8mL   −27 12 

1523
1524 CHAPTER 39

Alternatively, we can use the mc2 value for a proton from Table 37-3 (938 × 106 eV) and
hc = 1240 eV · nm by writing Eq. 39-4 as

En =
n2h2
=
n 2 hcbg .
2

d i
8mL2 8 m p c 2 L2

This alternative approach is perhaps easier to plug into, but it is recommended that both
approaches be tried to find which is most convenient.

5. To estimate the energy, we use Eq. 39-4, with n = 1, L equal to the atomic diameter,
and m equal to the mass of an electron:

(1) ( 6.63 ×10−34 J ⋅ s )

2 2
h2
E=n 2
= = 3.07 × 10−10 J=1920MeV ≈ 1.9 GeV.
8mL 8 ( 9.11×10 kg )(1.4 × 10 m )
2 −31 −14 2

6. (a) The ground-state energy is

 h 2  2  ( 6.63 ×10−34 J ⋅ s ) 
2

E1 =  n =  (1)2 = 1.51× 10−18 J

2 

 8(9.11× 10 kg) ( 200 × 10 m ) 

 8me L   −31 −12 2


= 9.42eV.

(b) With mp = 1.67 × 10– 27 kg, we obtain

 h2  2  ( 6.63 × 10−34 J ⋅ s ) 
2

E1 =  n =   (1)2 = 8.225 ×10−22 J

 8m p L2   8(1.67 × 10 kg) ( 200 ×10 m ) 
−27 −12 2
   
−3
= 5.13 ×10 eV.

7. According to Eq. 39-4 En ∝ L– 2. As a consequence, the new energy level E'n satisfies

F
G IJ = F
−2
LI 1
2

H K HL′ JK= 2 ,
G
En′ L′
=
En L

which gives L ′ = 2 L. Thus, the ratio is L′ / L = 2 = 1.41.

8. Let the quantum numbers of the pair in question be n and n + 1, respectively. Then

En+1 – En = E1 (n + 1)2 – E1n2 = (2n + 1)E1.

Letting
 1525

b g b gc h
En +1 − En = 2n + 1 E1 = 3 E4 − E3 = 3 4 2 E1 − 32 E1 = 21E1 ,

we get 2n + 1 = 21, or n = 10. Thus,

(a) the higher quantum number is n + 1 = 10 + 1 = 11, and

(b) the lower quantum number is n = 10.

(c) Now letting

b g b gc h
En +1 − En = 2n + 1 E1 = 2 E4 − E3 = 2 4 2 E1 − 32 E1 = 14 E1 ,

we get 2n + 1 = 14, which does not have an integer-valued solution. So it is impossible to

find the pair of energy levels that fits the requirement.

9. Let the quantum numbers of the pair in question be n and n + 1, respectively. We note
that

E n +1 − E n =
b g 2
n + 1 h2 n2h2
− =
b g
2n + 1 h 2
8mL2 8mL2 8mL2

Therefore, En+1 – En = (2n + 1)E1. Now

b g
En +1 − En = E5 = 52 E1 = 25E1 = 2n + 1 E1 ,

which leads to 2n + 1 = 25, or n = 12. Thus,

(a) The higher quantum number is n+1 = 12+1 = 13.

(b) The lower quantum number is n = 12.

(c) Now let

b g
En +1 − En = E6 = 62 E1 = 36 E1 = 2n + 1 E1 ,

which gives 2n + 1 = 36, or n = 17.5. This is not an integer, so it is impossible to find the
pair that fits the requirement.

10. The energy levels are given by En = n2h2/8mL2, where h is the Planck constant, m is
the mass of an electron, and L is the width of the well. The frequency of the light that will
excite the electron from the state with quantum number ni to the state with quantum
number nf is
∆E h
2 ( f
f = = n 2 − ni2 )
h 8mL
and the wavelength of the light is
1526 CHAPTER 39

c 8mL2 c
z= = .
d
f h n 2f − ni2 i
We evaluate this expression for ni = 1 and nf = 2, 3, 4, and 5, in turn. We use h = 6.626 ×
10– 34 J · s, m = 9.109 × 10– 31kg, and L = 250 × 10– 12 m, and obtain the following results:

(a) 6.87 × 10– 8 m for nf = 2, (the longest wavelength).

(b) 2.58 × 10– 8 m for nf = 3, (the second longest wavelength).

(c) 1.37 × 10– 8 m for nf = 4, (the third longest wavelength).

11. We can use the mc2 value for an electron from Table 37-3 (511 × 103 eV) and hc =
1240 eV · nm by rewriting Eq. 39-4 as

En =
n2h2
=
bg
n 2 hc
.
2

c h
8mL2 8 mc 2 L2

(a) The first excited state is characterized by n = 2, and the third by n' = 4. Thus,

( hc ) (1240eV ⋅ nm )
2 2

∆E =
8 ( mc ) L
( n′ 2
−n 2
)= (4 2
− 22 ) = ( 6.02eV ) (16 − 4 )
8 ( 511× 103 eV ) ( 0.250nm )
2 2 2

= 72.2eV .

Now that the electron is in the n' = 4 level, it can “drop” to a lower level (n'') in a variety
of ways. Each of these drops is presumed to cause a photon to be emitted of wavelength

z=
hc
=
c h
8 mc 2 L2
.
c h
En′ − En′′ hc n ′ 2 − n ′′ 2

For example, for the transition n' = 4 to n'' = 3, the photon emitted would have
wavelength

z=
8 511 × 103 eV 0.250 nm c2

= 29.4 nm,
hb g
1240 eV ⋅ nm 4 2 − 32b gc h
and once it is then in level n'' = 3 it might fall to level n''' = 2 emitting another photon.
Calculating in this way all the possible photons emitted during the de-excitation of this
system, we obtain the following results:

(b) The shortest wavelength that can be emitted is l 4→1 = 13.7nm.

 1527

(c) The second shortest wavelength that can be emitted is l 4→ 2 = 17.2nm.

(d) The longest wavelength that can be emitted is l 2→1 = 68.7 nm.

(e) The second longest wavelength that can be emitted is l 3→ 2 = 41.2 nm.

(f) The possible transitions are shown next. The energy levels are not drawn to scale.

(g) A wavelength of 29.4 nm corresponds to 4 → 3 transition. Thus, it could make either

the 3 → 1 transition or the pair of transitions: 3 → 2 and 2 → 1 . The longest wavelength
that can be emitted is l 2→1 = 68.7 nm.

(h) The shortest wavelength that can next be emitted is l 3→1 = 25.8nm.

12. The frequency of the light that will excite the electron from the state with quantum
number ni to the state with quantum number nf is

∆E h
2 ( f
f = = n 2 − ni2 )
h 8mL

and the wavelength of the light is

c 8mL2 c
z= = .
d
f h n 2f − ni2 i
The width of the well is
λ hc(n 2f − ni2 )
L=
8mc 2

The longest wavelength shown in Figure 39-28 is λ = 80.78 nm which corresponds to a

jump from ni = 2 to n f = 3 . Thus, the width of the well is
1528 CHAPTER 39

λ hc(n 2f − ni2 ) (80.78 nm)(1240eV ⋅ nm)(32 − 22 )

L= = = 0.350nm = 350 pm.
8mc 2 8(511× 103 eV)

13. The probability that the electron is found in any interval is given by P = ψ dx , z
where the integral is over the interval. If the interval width ∆x is small, the probability
2

can be approximated by P = |ψ|2 ∆x, where the wave function is evaluated for the center
of the interval, say. For an electron trapped in an infinite well of width L, the ground state
probability density is
F
G I
H JK
2 2 ‡x
ψ = sin 2 ,
L L
so
F
G I F I
H J
K GHJ
2 ∆x ‡x
P=
L
sin 2
KL
.

(a) We take L = 100 pm, x = 25 pm, and ∆x = 5.0 pm. Then,

L
M2b O
5.0 pmg L‡b25 pmgO
N100 pm Q N100 pm P
P
P= sin M2
= 0.050.
Q
(b) We take L = 100 pm, x = 50 pm, and ∆x = 5.0 pm. Then,

L
M2b O
5.0 pmg L‡b50 pmgO
N100 pm Q N100 pm P
P
P= sin M 2
= 010
. .
Q
(c) We take L = 100 pm, x = 90 pm, and ∆x = 5.0 pm. Then,

L
M2b O
5.0 pmg L‡b90 pmgO
N100 pm Q N100 pm P
P
P= sin M
2
= 0.0095.
Q
14. We follow Sample Problem 39-3 in the presentation of this solution. The integration
result quoted below is discussed in a little more detail in that Sample Problem. We note
that the arguments of the sine functions used below are in radians.

(a) The probability of detecting the particle in the region 0 ≤ x ≤ L / 4 is

π /4
 2  L  π /4 2 2  y sin 2 y 
    ∫0 sin y dy =  −  = 0.091.
 L  π  π2 4  0

(b) As expected from symmetry,

 1529

π
 2  L  π 2  y sin 2 y 
    ∫π / 4 sin y dy =  − = 0.091.
2

 L  π  π2 4  π /4

(c) For the region L / 4 ≤ x ≤ 3L / 4 , we obtain

3π / 4
 2   L  3π / 4 2 2  y sin 2 y 
    ∫π / 4 sin y dy =  −  = 0.82
 L  π  π2 4  π /4

which we could also have gotten by subtracting the results of part (a) and (b) from 1; that
is, 1 – 2(0.091) = 0.82.

15. The position of maximum probability density corresponds to the center of the well:
x = L / 2 = (200 pm) / 2 = 100 pm.

(a) The probability of detection at x is given by Eq. 39-11:

2
 2  nπ  2  nπ 
p( x) = ψ ( x)dx = 
2
n sin  x   dx = sin 2  x  dx
 L  L  L  L 

For n = 3 , L = 200 pm and dx = 2.00 pm (width of the probe), the probability of

detection at x = L / 2 = 100 pm is

2 2  3π L  2  3π  2 2
p ( x = L / 2) = sin  ⋅  dx = sin 2   dx = dx = ( 2.00 pm ) = 0.020 .
L  L 2 L  2  L 200 pm

(b) With N = 1000 independent insertions, the number of times we expect the electron to
be detected is
n = Np = (1000)(0.020) = 20 .

16. From Eq. 39-11, the condition of zero probability density is given by

 nπ  nπ
sin  x = 0 ⇒ x = mπ
 L  L

where m is an integer. The fact that x = 0.300 L and x = 0.400 L have zero probability
density implies
sin ( 0.300nπ ) = sin ( 0.400nπ ) = 0

which can be satisfied for n = 10m , where m = 1, 2,... However, since the probability
density is non-zero between x = 0.300 L and x = 0.400 L , we conclude that the electron is
in the n = 10 state. The change of energy after making a transition to n′ = 9 is then equal
to
1530 CHAPTER 39

( 6.63 × 10−34 J ⋅ s )
2
h2
2 (
| ∆E | = n − n′ ) =
2 2
2 (
102 − 92 ) = 2.86 × 10−17 J
8mL 8 ( 9.11×10 kg ) ( 2.00 × 10 m )
−31 −10

17. According to Fig. 39-9, the electron’s initial energy is 106 eV. After the additional
energy is absorbed, the total energy of the electron is 106 eV + 400 eV = 506 eV. Since it
is in the region x > L, its potential energy is 450 eV (see Section 39-5), so its kinetic
energy must be 506 eV – 450 eV = 56 eV.

18. From Fig. 39-9, we see that the sum of the kinetic and potential energies in that
particular finite well is 233 eV. The potential energy is zero in the region 0 < x < L. If the
kinetic energy of the electron is detected while it is in that region (which is the only
region where this is likely to happen), we should find K = 233 eV.

19. Schrödinger’s equation for the region x > L is

d 2ψ 8π 2 m
+ 2 E − U 0 ψ = 0.
dx 2 h

If ψ = De2kx, then d 2ψ/dx2 = 4k2De2kx = 4k2ψ and

d 2ψ 8π 2 m 8π 2 m
+ E − U 0 ψ = 4 k 2
ψ + E − U0 ψ .
dx 2 h2 h2

This is zero provided

k=
π
h
b
2m U 0 − E . g
The proposed function satisfies Schrödinger’s equation provided k has this value. Since
U0 is greater than E in the region x > L, the quantity under the radical is positive. This
means k is real. If k is positive, however, the proposed function is physically unrealistic.
It increases exponentially with x and becomes large without bound. The integral of the
probability density over the entire x-axis must be unity. This is impossible if ψ is the
proposed function.

20. The smallest energy a photon can have corresponds to a transition from the non-
quantized region to E3 . Since the energy difference between E3 and E4 is

∆E = E4 − E3 = 9.0 eV − 4.0 eV = 5.0 eV ,

the energy of the photon is Ephoton = K + ∆E = 2.00 eV + 5.00 eV = 7.00 eV .

21. Using E = hc / λ = (1240 eV ⋅ nm)/λ , the energies associated with λa , λb and λc are
 1531

hc 1240 eV ⋅ nm
Ea = = = 85.00 eV
λa 14.588 nm
hc 1240 eV ⋅ nm
Eb = = = 256.0 eV
λb 4.8437 nm
hc 1240 eV ⋅ nm
Ec = = = 426.0 eV.
λc 2.9108 nm
The ground-state energy is

E1 = E4 − Ec = 450.0 eV − 426.0 eV = 24.0 eV .

Since Ea = E2 − E1 , the energy of the first excited state is

E2 = E1 + Ea = 24.0 eV + 85.0 eV = 109 eV .

22. We can use the mc2 value for an electron from Table 37-3 (511 × 103 eV) and hc =
1240 eV · nm by writing Eq. 39-20 as

F 2
2h 2 nx2 n y I bg Fn + n I.
hc
2 2 2

Enx ,ny = G
H
2
8m Lx Ly
+ 2 =
8 mc 2 HL L JK
JK c hG x
2
x
y
2
y

For nx = ny = 1, we obtain

(1240eV ⋅ nm )  
2
1 1
E1,1 =  +  = 0.734 eV.
8 ( 511×103 eV )  ( 0.800nm ) (1.600nm ) 
2 2

23. We can use the mc2 value for an electron from Table 37-3 (511 × 103 eV) and hc =
1240 eV · nm by writing Eq. 39-21 as

F 2
2h 2 nx2 n y nz2 hcI bg Fn + n 2 2 2
I
nz2
Enx ,ny ,nz = G
H 2
+ 2 + 2 =
8m Lx Ly Lz JK c hG
8 mc 2 HL L
x
2
x
y
2
y LzJK
+ 2 .

For nx = ny = nz = 1, we obtain

(1240eV ⋅ nm )  
2
1 1 1
E1,1 =  + +  = 3.21 eV.
8 ( 511×103 eV )  ( 0.800nm ) (1.600nm ) ( 0.390nm ) 
2 2 2

24. We are looking for the values of the ratio

1532 CHAPTER 39

Enx ,ny Fn + n I = F
2 2

G 1 I
n + n J
2
h 8mL 2
= L2 Gx
2
x
2
y
J
HL L K H 4 K
y 2
x
2
y

and the corresponding differences.

(a) For nx = ny = 1, the ratio becomes 1 + 41 = 125

. .

bg
(b) For nx = 1 and ny = 2, the ratio becomes 1 + 41 4 = 2.00. One can check (by computing
other (nx, ny) values) that this is the next to lowest energy in the system.

(c) The lowest set of states that are degenerate are (nx, ny) = (1, 4) and (2, 2). Both of
these states have that ratio equal to 1 + 41 16 = 5.00. bg
bg
(d) For nx = 1 and ny = 3, the ratio becomes 1 + 41 9 = 3.25. One can check (by computing
other (nx, ny) values) that this is the lowest energy greater than that computed in part (b).
The next higher energy comes from (nx, ny) = (2, 1) for which the ratio is 4 + 41 1 = 4.25. bg
The difference between these two values is 4.25 – 3.25 = 1.00.

25. The energy levels are given by

E n x ,n y =
L
M +
2
h 2 nx2 n y
=
O
P
h2
nx +
2
L
n y2
M O
P
M
N
8m L2x L2y P
Q
8mL2 4M
N P
Q
where the substitutions Lx = L and Ly = 2L were made. In units of h2/8mL2, the energy
levels are given by nx2 + n y2 / 4 . The lowest five levels are E1,1 = 1.25, E1,2 = 2.00, E1,3 =
3.25, E2,1 = 4.25, and E2,2 = E1,4 = 5.00. It is clear that there are no other possible values
for the energy less than 5. The frequency of the light emitted or absorbed when the
electron goes from an initial state i to a final state f is f = (Ef – Ei)/h, and in units of
h/8mL2 is simply the difference in the values of nx2 + n y2 / 4 for the two states. The
possible frequencies are as follows: 0.75 (1, 2 → 1,1) , 2.00 (1,3 → 1,1) ,3.00 ( 2,1 → 1,1) ,
3.75 ( 2, 2 → 1,1) ,1.25 (1,3 → 1, 2 ) , 2.25 ( 2,1 → 1, 2 ) ,3.00 ( 2, 2 → 1, 2 ) ,1.00 ( 2,1 → 1,3) ,
1.75 ( 2, 2 → 1,3) , 0.75 ( 2, 2 → 2,1) , all in units of h/8mL2.

(a) From the above, we see that there are 8 different frequencies.

(b) The lowest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 0.75 (2, 2 → 2,1).

(c) The second lowest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 1.00 (2, 1 → 1,3).

(d) The third lowest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 1.25 (1, 3 → 1,2).
 1533

(e) The highest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 3.75 (2, 2 → 1,1).

(f) The second highest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 3.00 (2, 2 → 1,2) or (2, 1 → 1,1).

(g) The third highest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 2.25 (2, 1 → 1,2).

26. We are looking for the values of the ratio

E n x , n y ,n z Fn + n
2 2
nz2I d i
2
h 8mL 2
= L2 G x

HL L
2
x
y
2
y
+
L2zJK
= nx2 + n y2 + nz2

and the corresponding differences.

(a) For nx = ny = nz = 1, the ratio becomes 1 + 1 + 1 = 3.00.

(b) For nx = ny = 2 and nz = 1, the ratio becomes 4 + 4 + 1 = 9.00. One can check (by
computing other (nx, ny, nz) values) that this is the third lowest energy in the system. One
can also check that this same ratio is obtained for (nx, ny, nz) = (2, 1, 2) and (1, 2, 2).

(c) For nx = ny = 1 and nz = 3, the ratio becomes 1 + 1 + 9 = 11.00. One can check (by
computing other (nx, ny, nz) values) that this is three “steps” up from the lowest energy in
the system. One can also check that this same ratio is obtained for (nx, ny, nz) = (1, 3, 1)
and (3, 1, 1). If we take the difference between this and the result of part (b), we obtain
11.0 – 9.00 = 2.00.

(d) For nx = ny = 1 and nz = 2, the ratio becomes 1 + 1 + 4 = 6.00. One can check (by
computing other (nx, ny, nz) values) that this is the next to the lowest energy in the system.
One can also check that this same ratio is obtained for (nx, ny, nz) = (2, 1, 1) and (1, 2, 1).
Thus, three states (three arrangements of (nx, ny, nz) values) have this energy.

(e) For nx = 1, ny = 2 and nz = 3, the ratio becomes 1 + 4 + 9 = 14.0. One can check (by
computing other (nx, ny, nz) values) that this is five “steps” up from the lowest energy in
the system. One can also check that this same ratio is obtained for (nx, ny, nz) = (1, 3, 2),
(2, 3, 1), (2, 1, 3), (3, 1, 2) and (3, 2, 1). Thus, six states (six arrangements of (nx, ny, nz)
values) have this energy.

27. The ratios computed in Problem 39-26 can be related to the frequencies emitted using
f = ∆E/h, where each level E is equal to one of those ratios multiplied by h2/8mL2. This
effectively involves no more than a cancellation of one of the factors of h. Thus, for a
transition from the second excited state (see part (b) of Problem 39-26) to the ground
state (treated in part (a) of that problem), we find

b
f = 9.00 − 3.00 gF
G h I
=b
F
6.00g
h I
H8mL K H8mL JK.
J 2 G 2
1534 CHAPTER 39

In the following, we omit the h/8mL2 factors. For a transition between the fourth excited
state and the ground state, we have f = 12.00 – 3.00 = 9.00. For a transition between the
third excited state and the ground state, we have f = 11.00 – 3.00 = 8.00. For a transition
between the third excited state and the first excited state, we have f = 11.00 – 6.00 = 5.00.
For a transition between the fourth excited state and the third excited state, we have f =
12.00 – 11.00 = 1.00. For a transition between the third excited state and the second
excited state, we have f = 11.00 – 9.00 = 2.00. For a transition between the second excited
state and the first excited state, we have f = 9.00 – 6.00 = 3.00, which also results from
some other transitions.

(a) From the above, we see that there are 7 frequencies.

(b) The lowest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 1.00.

(c) The second lowest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 2.00.

(d) The third lowest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 3.00.

(e) The highest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 9.00.

(f) The second highest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 8.00.

(g) The third highest frequency is, in units of h/8mL2, 6.00.

28. The statement that there are three probability density maxima along x = Lx / 2 implies
that n y = 3 (see for example, Figure 39-6). Since the maxima are separated by 2.00 nm,
the width of Ly is Ly = ny (2.00 nm) = 6.00 nm. Similarly, from the information given
along y = Ly / 2 , we find nx = 5 and Lx = nx (3.00 nm) = 15.0 nm. Thus, using Eq. 39-20,
the energy of the electron is

h 2  nx2 n y  (6.63 ×10−34 J ⋅ s) 2

2
 1 1 
Enx , ny =  + =  (3.00 ×10−9 m) 2 + (2.00 × 10−9 m) 2 
8m  L2x L2y  8(9.11×10−31 kg)  
= 2.2 ×10−20 J .

29. The discussion on the probability of detection for one-dimensional case found in
Section 39-4 can be readily extended to two dimensions. In analogy to Eq. 39-10, the
normalized wave function in two dimensions can be written as

2  nxπ  2  n yπ 
ψ n ,n ( x, y ) = ψ n ( x)ψ n ( y ) = sin  x  ⋅ sin  y
Lx 
 Lx  Ly  Ly 
x y x y

4 nπ  n π 
= sin  x x  sin  y y  .
Lx Ly  
 Lx   Ly 
 1535

The probability of detection by a probe of dimension ∆x∆y placed at ( x, y ) is

2 4(∆x∆y ) 2  nxπ  2  nyπ 

p ( x , y ) = ψ n x , n y ( x , y ) ∆x ∆ y = x  sin 
 Ly 
sin  y .
Lx Ly  Lx   

With Lx = Ly = L = 150 pm and ∆x = ∆y = 5.00 pm , the probability of detecting an

electron in (nx , n y ) = (1,3) state by placing a probe at (0.200 L, 0.800 L) is

4(∆x∆y ) 2  nxπ   n π  4(5.00 pm) 2 π   3π 

p= sin  x  sin 2  y y  = sin 2  ⋅ 0.200 L  sin 2  0.800 L 
Lx Ly  L  (150 pm) 2
 Lx   y  L   L 
2
 5.00 pm 
= 4  sin ( 0.200π ) sin ( 2.40π )
2 2

 150 pm 
= 1.4 × 10−3 .

30. In analogy to Eq. 39-10, the normalized wave function in two dimensions can be
written as
2 nπ  2 n π 
ψ nx ,ny ( x, y ) = ψ nx ( x)ψ ny ( y ) = sin  x x  ⋅ sin  y y 
Lx  L 
 Lx  Ly  y 
4 nπ  n π 
= sin  x x  sin  y y  .
Lx Ly  
 Lx   Ly 

The probability of detection by a probe of dimension ∆x∆y placed at ( x, y ) is

2 4(∆x∆y ) 2  nxπ  n π 
p ( x , y ) = ψ n x , n y ( x , y ) ∆x ∆ y = sin  x  sin 2  y y  .
Lx Ly  Ly 
 Lx   

A detection probability of 0.0450 of a ground-state electron ( nx = n y = 1 ) by a probe of

area ∆x∆y = 400 pm 2 placed at ( x, y ) = ( L / 8, L / 8) implies

2
4(400 pm 2 ) 2  π L  2  π L   20 pm  4π 
0.0450 = 2
sin  ⋅  sin  ⋅  = 4   sin  
L L 8 L 8  L  8

Solving for L, we get L = 27.6 pm .

31. (a) We use Eq. 39-39. At r = a

bg F IJ = 1
2

ψ2 r =G 1
Hπa 32
e−a a
K πa 3
e −2 =
c
1
−2
π 5.29 × 10 nm h3
e −2 = 291 nm −3 .
1536 CHAPTER 39

(b) We use Eq. 39-44. At r = a

bg a4 a e
Pr = 3
2 −2 a a
=
4 e −2
a
=
4 e −2
5.29 × 10−2 nm
= 10.2 nm−1 .

32. (a) We use Eq. 39-44. At r = 0, P(r) ∝ r2 = 0.

(b) At r = a

bg a4 a e
Pr = 3
2 −2 a a
=
4 e −2
a
=
4 e −2
5.29 × 10−2 nm
= 10.2 nm−1 .

(c) At r = 2a

bg b g
a
4 2 −4 a a
P r = 3 2a e =
16e −4
a
=
16e −4
−2
5.29 × 10 nm
. nm −1 .
= 554

33. If kinetic energy is not conserved, some of the neutron’s initial kinetic energy is used
to excite the hydrogen atom. The least energy that the hydrogen atom can accept is the
difference between the first excited state (n = 2) and the ground state (n = 1). Since the
energy of a state with principal quantum number n is –(13.6 eV)/n2, the smallest
excitation energy is
−13.6 eV −13.6 eV
∆E = E2 − E1 = − = 10.2 eV .
( 2) (1)
2 2

The neutron does not have sufficient kinetic energy to excite the hydrogen atom, so the
hydrogen atom is left in its ground state and all the initial kinetic energy of the neutron
ends up as the final kinetic energies of the neutron and atom. The collision must be elastic.

34. (a) The energy level corresponding to the probability density distribution shown in
Fig. 39-22 is the n = 2 level. Its energy is given by

13.6 eV
E2 = − = −3.4 eV .
22

(b) As the electron is removed from the hydrogen atom the final energy of the proton-
electron system is zero. Therefore, one needs to supply at least 3.4 eV of energy to the
system in order to bring its energy up from E2 = – 3.4 eV to zero. (If more energy is
supplied, then the electron will retain some kinetic energy after it is removed from the
atom.)

35. (a) Since energy is conserved, the energy E of the photon is given by E = Ei – Ef,
where Ei is the initial energy of the hydrogen atom and Ef is the final energy. The electron
energy is given by (– 13.6 eV)/n2, where n is the principal quantum number. Thus,
 1537

−13.6 eV −13.6 eV
E = E3 − E1 = − = 12.1eV .
( 3) (1)
2 2

(b) The photon momentum is given by

E
p= =
b
12.1eV 160 gc
. × 10−19 J eV h
= 6.45 × 10−27 kg ⋅ m s .
c 3.00 × 108 m s

(c) Using hc = 1240 eV · nm, the wavelength is

hc 1240 eV ⋅ nm
λ= = = 102 nm .
E 12.1eV
36. From Eq. 39-6,

c hc
∆E = hf = 4.14 × 10−15 eV ⋅ s 6.2 × 1014 Hz = 2.6 eV . h
37. The energy E of the photon emitted when a hydrogen atom jumps from a state with
principal quantum number n to a state with principal quantum number n′ is given by

 1 1 
E = A 2 − 2 
 n′ n 

where A = 13.6 eV. The frequency f of the electromagnetic wave is given by f = E/h and
the wavelength is given by λ = c/f. Thus,

1 f E A 1 1 
= = =  2 − 2.
λ c hc hc  n′ n 

The shortest wavelength occurs at the series limit, for which n = ∞. For the Balmer series,
n′ = 2 and the shortest wavelength is λB = 4hc/A. For the Lyman series, n′ = 1 and the
shortest wavelength is λL = hc/A. The ratio is λB/λL = 4.0.

38. The difference between the energy absorbed and the energy emitted is

hc hc
E photon absorbed − E photon emitted = − .
λ absorbed λ emitted

Thus, using hc = 1240 eV · nm, the net energy absorbed is

F
G1I
J=b
F
1240 eV ⋅ nmg
G 1 I
H375 nm 580 nmJK= 117
1
hc∆
Hλ K − . eV .
1538 CHAPTER 39

39. (a) We take the electrostatic potential energy to be zero when the electron and proton
are far removed from each other. Then, the final energy of the atom is zero and the work
done in pulling it apart is W = – Ei, where Ei is the energy of the initial state. The energy
of the initial state is given by Ei = (–13.6 eV)/n2, where n is the principal quantum
number of the state. For the ground state, n = 1 and W = 13.6 eV.

(b) For the state with n = 2, W = (13.6 eV)/(2)2 = 3.40 eV.

40. (a) ∆E = – (13.6 eV)(4– 2 – 1– 2) = 12.8 eV.

(b) There are 6 possible energies associated with the transitions 4 → 3, 4 → 2, 4 → 1, 3

→ 2, 3 → 1 and 2 → 1.

(c) The greatest energy is E4→1 = 12.8eV.

(d) The second greatest energy is E3→1 = − (13.6eV ) ( 3−2 − 1−2 ) = 12.1eV .

(e) The third greatest energy is E2→1 = − (13.6eV ) ( 2−2 − 1−2 ) = 10.2eV .

(f) The smallest energy is E4→3 = − (13.6eV ) ( 4−2 − 3−2 ) = 0.661 eV .

(g) The second smallest energy is E3→2 = − (13.6eV ) ( 3−2 − 2−2 ) = 1.89eV .

(h) The third smallest energy is E4→2 = − (13.6eV ) ( 4−2 − 2−2 ) = 2.55eV.

41. According to Sample Problem 39-8, the probability the electron in the ground state of
a hydrogen atom can be found inside a sphere of radius r is given by

c
p ( r ) = 1 − e −2 x 1 + 2 x + 2 x 2 h
where x = r/a and a is the Bohr radius. We want r = a, so x = 1 and

p(a ) = 1 − e −2 (1 + 2 + 2) = 1 − 5e −2 = 0.323.

The probability that the electron can be found outside this sphere is 1 – 0.323 = 0.677. It
can be found outside about 68% of the time.

42. Using Eq. 39-6 and hc = 1240 eV · nm, we find

hc 1240 eV ⋅ nm
∆E = E photon = = = 10.2 eV .
λ 1216
. nm
 1539

Therefore, nlow = 1, but what precisely is nhigh?

13.6eV 13.6eV
Ehigh = E low + ∆E ⇒ − 2
=− + 10.2eV
n 12

which yields n = 2 (this is confirmed by the calculation found from Sample Problem 39-
6). Thus, the transition is from the n = 2 to the n = 1 state.

(a) The higher quantum number is n = 2.

(b) The lower quantum number is n = 1.

(c) Referring to Fig. 39-18, we see that this must be one of the Lyman series transitions.

43. The proposed wave function is

1
ψ= e−r a
πa 32

where a is the Bohr radius. Substituting this into the right side of Schrödinger’s equation,
our goal is to show that the result is zero. The derivative is

dψ 1
=− e−r a
dr πa 52

so
dψ r2
r2 =− e−r a
dr πa 52

and
F
G I L O L O
H J
1 d 2 dψ 1 2 1 1 2 1
r 2 dr
r
Kdr
=
πa 52M
N P
Q
r a M
N P
− + e−r a = − +
a r aQψ.

The energy of the ground state is given by E = − me 4 8ε 20 h 2 and the Bohr radius is given
by a = h 2 ε 0 πme 2 , so E = − e 2 8πε 0 a. The potential energy is given by U = − e 2 4πε 0 r ,
so

8π 2 m 8π 2 m e2L
M e2 O
P 8π 2 m e 2 1 2 L O
h 2
E − U ψ =
h 2
−
N
+
8πε 0 a 4 πε 0 r
ψ
Q
=
h 8πε 0
2
− + ψ
a r N P
M Q
πme 2 L
M
1 2O 1 L1 2O
=
h2 ε 0 Na + r P
− − + P
Qψ = a M
N ψ.
a rQ

The two terms in Schrödinger’s equation cancel, and the proposed function ψ satisfies
that equation.
1540 CHAPTER 39

44. (a) The calculation is shown in Sample Problem 39-6. The difference in the values
obtained in parts (a) and (b) of that Sample Problem is 122 nm – 91.4 nm ≈ 31 nm.

(b) We use Eq. 39-1. For the Lyman series,

2.998 × 108 m s 2.998 × 108 m s

∆f = −9
− −9
= 8.2 × 1014 Hz .
. × 10 m
914 122 × 10 m

(c) Fig. 39-19 shows that the width of the Balmer series is 656.3 nm – 364.6 nm ≈
292 nm ≈ 0.29 µ m .

(d) The series limit can be obtained from the ∞ → 2 transition:

2.998 ×108 m s 2.998 ×108 m s

∆f = −9
− −9
= 3.65 ×1014 Hz ≈ 3.7 ×1014 Hz.
364.6 ×10 m 656.3 × 10 m

45. (a) and (b) Letting a = 5.292 × 10– 11 m be the Bohr radius, the potential energy
becomes

U =−
e2
=
c hc
8.99 × 109 N ⋅ m2 C 2 1602
. × 10−19 C h= −4.36 × 10
2
−18
J = −27.2 eV .
4 πε 0 a 5.292 × 10−11 m

The kinetic energy is K = E – U = (– 13.6 eV) – (– 27.2 eV) = 13.6 eV.

46. Conservation of linear momentum of the atom-photon system requires that

hf
precoil = pphoton ⇒ m p vrecoil =
c

where we use Eq. 39-7 for the photon and use the classical momentum formula for the
atom (since we expect its speed to be much less than c). Thus, from Eq. 39-6 and Table
37-3,
∆E E4 − E1 ( −13.6eV ) ( 4−2 − 1−2 )
vrecoil = = = = 4.1 m s .
m p c ( m p c 2 ) c ( 938 × 106 eV ) ( 2.998 ×108 m s )

47. The radial probability function for the ground state of hydrogen is

P(r) = (4r2/a3)e– 2r/a,

 1541

where a is the Bohr radius. (See Eq. 39-44). We want to evaluate the integral
Eq. 15 in the integral table of Appendix E is an integral of this form. We set n = 2 and
z0
∞
P(r ) dr .

replace a in the given formula with 2/a and x with r. Then

z∞

0
P(r )dr =
4
a3 z
0
∞
r 2 e −2 r / a dr =
4 2
a (2 a ) 3
3
= 1.

48. (a) Since E2 = – 0.85 eV and E1 = – 13.6 eV + 10.2 eV = – 3.4 eV, the photon energy
is
Ephoton = E2 – E1 = – 0.85 eV – (– 3.4 eV) = 2.6 eV.

(b) From

E2 − E1 = ( −13.6 eV)
F
G1 1I
− J= 2.6 eV
Hn n K
2
2
2
1

we obtain
1 1 2.6 eV 3 1 1
2
− 2 = ≈− = 2 − 2.
n2 n1 13.6 eV 16 4 2

Thus, n2 = 4 and n1 = 2. So the transition is from the n = 4 state to the n = 2 state. One can
easily verify this by inspecting the energy level diagram of Fig. 39-18. Thus, the higher
quantum number is n2 = 4.

(c) The lower quantum number is n1 = 2.

49. (a) ψ210 is real. Squaring it, we obtain the probability density:

 r2  r 4 −r / a
P210 (r ) = | ψ 210 | (4π r ) = 
2 2
e −r / a
cos θ  (4π r ) = 5 e
2 2
cos 2 θ .
 32πa 8a
5


(b) Each of the other functions is multiplied by its complex conjugate, obtained by
replacing i with – i in the function. Since eiφ e– iφ = e0 = 1, the result is the square of the
function without the exponential factor:

r2
|ψ 21+1 |2 = e − r / a sin 2 θ
64 πa 5

and
r2
| ψ 21−1 |2 = e− r / a sin 2 θ .
64πa 5

The last two functions lead to the same probability density:

1542 CHAPTER 39

 r2  r 4 −r / a 2
P21±1 (r ) =| ψ 21±1 |2 (4π r 2 ) =  e −r / a
sin 2
θ  (4π r 2
) = e sin θ .
 64πa
5
 16a 5

(c) The total probability density for the three states is the sum:

P210 (r ) + P21+1 (r ) + P21−1 (r ) = (| ψ 210 |2 + | ψ 21+1 |2 + | ψ 21−1 |2 ) (4π r 2 )

r 4 −r / a  2 1 2 1 2  r 4 −r / a
= e  cos θ + sin θ + sin θ  = 5 e .
8a 5 2 2  8a

The trigonometric identity cos2 θ + sin2 θ = 1 is used. We note that the total probability
density does not depend on θ or φ; it is spherically symmetric.

50. From Sample Problem 39-8, we know that the probability of finding the electron in
the ground state of the hydrogen atom inside a sphere of radius r is given by

c
p ( r ) = 1 − e −2 x 1 + 2 x + 2 x 2 h
where x = r/a. Thus the probability of finding the electron between the two shells
indicated in this problem is given by

p (a < r < 2a ) = p (2a) − p(a) = 1 − e −2 x (1 + 2 x + 2 x 2 )  − 1 − e−2 x (1 + 2 x + 2 x 2 ) 

x=2 x =1

= 0.439.

51. Since ∆r is small, we may calculate the probability using p = P(r) ∆r, where P(r) is
the radial probability density. The radial probability density for the ground state of
hydrogen is given by Eq. 39-44:
F
4 r 2 −2 r / a
G IJ
P(r ) =
a3
e
HK
where a is the Bohr radius.

(a) Here, r = 0.500a and ∆r = 0.010a. Then,

 4r 2 ∆r 
P =  3  e −2 r / a = 4(0.500) 2 (0.010)e −1 = 3.68 × 10−3 ≈ 3.7 × 10−3.
 a 

(b) We set r = 1.00a and ∆r = 0.010a. Then,

 4r 2 ∆r 
P =  3  e −2 r / a = 4(1.00) 2 (0.010)e −2 = 5.41× 10−3 ≈ 5.4 × 10−3.
 a 
 1543

52. Using Eq. 39-6 and hc = 1240 eV · nm, we find

hc 1240 eV ⋅ nm
∆E = Ephoton = = = 12.09 eV.
λ 106.6 nm

Therefore, nlow = 1, but what precisely is nhigh?

13.6eV 13.6eV
Ehigh = Elow + ∆E ⇒ − 2
=− + 12.09eV
n 12

which yields n = 3. Thus, the transition is from the n = 3 to the n = 1 state.

(a) The higher quantum number is n = 3.

(b) The lower quantum number is n = 1.

(c) Referring to Fig. 39-18, we see that this must be one of the Lyman series transitions.

53. According to Fig. 39-25, the quantum number n in question satisfies r = n2a. Letting r
= 1.0 mm, we solve for n:
r . × 10−3 m
10
n= = ≈ 4.3 × 103 .
a 5.29 × 10−11 m

54. (a) The plot shown below for |ψ200(r)|2 is to be compared with the dot plot of Fig.
39-22. We note that the horizontal axis of our graph is labeled “r,” but it is actually r/a
(that is, it is in units of the parameter a). Now, in the plot below there is a high central
peak between r = 0 and r ∼ 2a, corresponding to the densely dotted region around the
center of the dot plot of Fig. 39-22. Outside this peak is a region of near-zero values
centered at r = 2a, where ψ200 = 0. This is represented in the dot plot by the empty ring
surrounding the central peak. Further outside is a broader, flatter, low peak which reaches
its maximum value at r = 4a. This corresponds to the outer ring with near-uniform dot
density which is lower than that of the central peak.
1544 CHAPTER 39

(b) The extrema of ψ2(r) for 0 < r < ∞ may be found by squaring the given function,
differentiating with respect to r, and setting the result equal to zero:

1 ( r − 2a ) ( r − 4a ) − r / a
− e =0
32 a 6π

which has roots at r = 2a and r = 4a. We can verify directly from the plot above that r =
4a is indeed a local maximum of ψ 2200 (r ). As discussed in part (a), the other root (r = 2a)
is a local minimum.

(c) Using Eq. 39-43 and Eq. 39-41, the radial probability is

r2 r F
G IJe 2

P200 (r ) = 4 πr ψ
H K
−r /a
2 2
200 (r ) = 3 2 − .
8a a

(d) Let x = r/a. Then

2
∞ ∞ r2  r 1 ∞ ∞
∫0
P200 (r ) dr = ∫
0 3 
8a 
2 −  e − r / a dr = ∫ x 2 (2 − x) 2 e − x dx = ∫ ( x 4 − 4 x 3 + 4 x 2 )e− x dx
a 8 0 0

1
= [4! − 4(3!) + 4(2!)] = 1
8

where we have used the integral formula z ∞

0
x n e − x dx = n ! .

55. The radial probability function for the ground state of hydrogen is

P(r) = (4r2/a3)e– 2r/a,

where a is the Bohr radius. (See Eq. 39-44.) The integral table of Appendix E may be
used to evaluate the integral ravg =
formula with 2/a (and x with r), we obtain
z∞

0
rP (r ) dr . Setting n = 3 and replacing a in the given

∞ 4 ∞ 4 6
ravg = ∫ rP(r ) dr = ∫ r 3e −2 r / a dr = = 1.5a .
0 a3 0 a ( 2 a )4
3

56. We can use the mc2 value for an electron from Table 37-3 (511 × 103 eV) and hc =
1240 eV · nm by writing Eq. 39-4 as

En =
n2h2
=
n 2 hc
.
bg 2

8mL2 8 mc 2 L2 c h
 1545

(a) With L = 3.0 × 109 nm, the energy difference is

E2 − E1 =
8c
12402
511 × 10 h
c2 − 1 h= 13. × 10
2 2 −19
eV.
c3.0 × 10 h
3 9 2

(b) Since (n + 1)2 – n2 = 2n + 1, we have

b g cbgh b g
2
h2 hc
∆E = En +1 − E n = 2
2n + 1 = 2n + 1 .
8mL 8 mc 2 L2

Setting this equal to 1.0 eV, we solve for n:

4 ( mc 2 ) L2 ∆E 1 4 ( 511× 10 eV ) ( 3.0 × 10 nm ) (1.0eV )

3 9 2
1
n= − = − ≈ 1.2 × 1019.
( hc ) (1240eV ⋅ nm )
2 2
2 2

(c) At this value of n, the energy is

En =
8c
12402
511 × 10 h
c6 × 10 h≈ 6 × 10
18 2 18
eV.
c3.0 × 10 h
3 9 2

Thus,
En 6 × 1018 eV
= = 1.2 × 1013.
mc 2
511×10 eV3

(d) Since En / mc 2 ? 1 , the energy is indeed in the relativistic range.

57. (a) and (b) Schrödinger’s equation for the region x > L is

d 2ψ 8π 2 m
+ 2 E − U 0 ψ = 0,
dx 2 h

where E – U0 < 0. If ψ2 (x) = Ce– 2kx, then ψ(x) = C'e– kx, where C' is another constant
satisfying C' 2 = C. Thus,
d 2ψ
2
= 4k 2C ′e − kx = 4k 2ψ
dx
and
d 2ψ 8π 2 m 8π 2 m
+ E − U 0 ψ = k 2
ψ + E − U0 ψ .
dx 2 h2 h2

8π 2 m
This is zero provided that k 2 = U0 − E .
h2
1546 CHAPTER 39

The quantity on the right-hand side is positive, so k is real and the proposed function
satisfies Schrödinger’s equation. If k is negative, however, the proposed function would
be physically unrealistic. It would increase exponentially with x. Since the integral of the
probability density over the entire x axis must be finite, ψ diverging as x → ∞ would be
unacceptable. Therefore, we choose

k=
2π
h
b
2m U 0 − E > 0. g
58. (a) and (b) In the region 0 < x < L, U0 = 0, so Schrödinger’s equation for the region is

d 2ψ 8π 2 m
+ 2 Eψ = 0
dx 2 h

where E > 0. If ψ2 (x) = B sin2 kx, then ψ (x) = B' sin kx, where B' is another constant
satisfying B' 2 = B. Thus,
d 2ψ
= −k 2 B′ sin kx = −k 2ψ ( x)
dx 2
and
d 2ψ 8π 2 m 8π 2 m
+ E ψ = − k 2
ψ + Eψ .
dx 2 h2 h2

This is zero provided that

8π 2 mE
k2 = .
h2

The quantity on the right-hand side is positive, so k is real and the proposed function
satisfies Schrödinger’s equation. In this case, there exists no physical restriction as to the
2π
sign of k. It can assume either positive or negative values. Thus, k = ± 2mE .
h

59. (a) The allowed values of l for a given n are 0, 1, 2, ..., n – 1. Thus there are n
different values of l .

(b) The allowed values of ml for a given l are – l , – l + 1, ..., l . Thus there are 2 l + 1
different values of ml .

(c) According to part (a) above, for a given n there are n different values of l . Also, each
of these l ’s can have 2 l + 1 different values of ml [see part (b) above]. Thus, the total
number of ml ’s is
n −1

∑ (2l + 1) = n .
l =0
2
 1547

60. (a) The allowed energy values are given by En = n2h2/8mL2. The difference in energy
between the state n and the state n + 1 is

∆Eadj b g
= E n +1 − E n = n + 1 − n
h22
=
2n + 1 h 2
2 b g
8mL2 8mL2
and
L
Mb2n + 1gh O
∆Eadj
PF
G8mL I 2n + 1
2 2

E N8mL Q
=
Hn h JK= n .
2 2 2 2

As n becomes large, 2n + 1 → 2n and b2n + 1gn → 2n n = 2 n . 2 2

(b) No. As n → ∞, ∆Eadj and E do not approach 0, but ∆Eadj/E does.

(c) No. See part (b).

(d) Yes. See part (b).

(e) ∆Eadj/E is a better measure than either ∆Eadj or E alone of the extent to which the
quantum result is approximated by the classical result.

61. From Eq. 39-4,

Fh I n + 2g− F
= G Jb
2

G h I
J
2 Fh I n + 1g.
n = G Jb
2 2
En + 2 − En
H8mL K H8mL K H2mL K
2
2 2 2

62. For n = 1

( 9.11×10−31 kg )(1.6 × 10−19 C )

4
me e 4
E1 = − 2 2 = − = −13.6 eV .
8ε 0 h 8 ( 8.85 ×10−12 F m ) ( 6.63 × 10−34 J ⋅ s ) (1.60 × 10−19 J eV )
2 2

63. (a) We recall that a derivative with respect to a dimensional quantity carries the
(reciprocal) units of that quantity. Thus, the first term in Eq. 39-18 has dimensions of ψ
multiplied by dimensions of x– 2. The second term contains no derivatives, does contain ψ,
and involves several other factors that turn out to have dimensions of x– 2:

8π2 m kg
 E − U ( x )  ⇒ [J]
h2  (J ⋅s)
2

assuming SI units. Recalling from Eq. 7-9 that J = kg·m2/s2, then we see the above is
indeed in units of m– 2 (which means dimensions of x– 2).
1548 CHAPTER 39

(b) In one-dimensional Quantum Physics, the wave function has units of m– 1/2 as Sample
Problem 39-2 shows. Thus, since each term in Eq. 39-18 has units of ψ multiplied by
units of x– 2, then those units are m– 1/2· m– 2 = m– 2.5.

64. (a) The “home-base” energy level for the Balmer series is n = 2. Thus the transition
with the least energetic photon is the one from the n = 3 level to the n = 2 level. The
energy difference for this transition is

b
∆E = E3 − E2 = − 13.6 eV gF
G1 1I
H3 − 2 JK= 1889
2 2
. eV .

Using hc = 1240 eV · nm, the corresponding wavelength is

hc 1240 eV ⋅ nm
λ= = = 658 nm .
∆E 1889
. eV

(b) For the series limit, the energy difference is

b
∆E = E ∞ − E2 = − 13.6 eV gF
G 1I
H∞ − 2 JK= 3.40 eV .
1
2 2

hc 1240 eV ⋅ nm
The corresponding wavelength is then λ = = = 366 nm .
∆E 3.40 eV