Chapter –12

Atoms

1. Geiger-Marsden’s α-particle Scattering Experiment

On the suggestion of Rutherford, in 1911, his two associates, H. Geiger and E. Marsden, performed
an experiment by bombarding α-particles (Helium nuclei Z = 2, A = 4) on a gold foil.
Observations:
(i) Most of the α-particles pass through the gold foil undeflected.
(ii) A very small number of α-particles (1 in 8000) suffered large angle deflection; some of them
retraced their path or suffered 180° deflection.
Conclusion:
(i) Atom is hollow.
(ii) Entire positive charge and
nearly whole mass of atom
is concentrated in a small
centre called nucleus of
Incident
atom. beam of
α-particles
(iii) Coulomb’s law holds good
Nucleus
for atomic distances.
(iv) Negatively charged electrons Detector
are outside the nucleus.
Impact Parameter: The
perpendicular distance of initial
Rutherford Scattering experiment
velocity vector of α-particle from
the nucleus, when the particle is
far away from the nucleus, is called the impact parameter. It is denoted by b. For head on approach
of α-particle, b = 0.
Angle of Scattering (φ) : The angle by which α-particle is deviated from its original direction is

called angle of scattering. E F
C
1 Ze2 z
b = cot
4rf0 EK 2
b' large
where Ek is the initial kinetic energy for head on approach of
alpha particle. A B φ

Impact parameter, b= 0. b
+Ze
G H
N

Atoms 485
 2. Distance of Closest Approach
The smallest distance of approach of α-particle near heavy nucleus is a measure of the size of nucleus.
2
1 2Ze
Distance of nearest approach ≈ size of nucleus =
4rf0 EK
where EK is kinetic energy of incident α-particle, Z = atomic number, e = electronic charge.
3. Rutherford’s Atom Model
Atom consists of a central heavy nucleus containing positive charge and negatively charged electrons
circulating around the nucleus in circular orbits.
Rutherford model could explain the neutrality of an atom, thermionic emission and photoelectric
effect; but it could not explain the stability of an atom and the observed line spectrum of an atom
(atomic spectrum).
4. Bohr’s Model
Bohr modified Rutherford atom model to explain the line spectrum of hydrogen.
Postulates of Bohr’s Theory
(i) Stationary Circular Orbits: An atom consists of a central positively v
charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons revolve around the
nucleus in certain orbits called stationary orbits.
The electrostatic coulomb force between electrons and the nucleus + r
m
provides the necessary centripetal force. + Ze

mv2 1 (Ze) (e)

i.e., r = …(i)
4rf0 r2
where Z is the atomic number, m is the mass of electrons, r = radius of orbit.

(ii) Quantum Condition: The stationary orbits are those in which angular momentum of electron
h
is an integral multiple of , i.e.,
2r
h
mvr = n , n = 1, 2, 3,... …(ii)
2r
Integer n is called the principal quantum number. This equation is called Bohr’s quantum
condition.
(iii) Transitions: The electron does not radiate energy when in a stationary orbit. The quantum of
energy (or photon) is emitted or absorbed when an electron jumps from one stationary orbit
to the other. The frequency of emitted or absorbed photon is given by
hν = |Ei –Ef| …(iii)
This is called Bohr’s frequency condition.
Radius of Orbit and Energy of Electron in Orbit
Condition of motion of electron in circular orbit is
mv2 1 (Ze) (e)
r = 4rf r2
…(i)
0
Bohr’s quantum condition is
h
mvr = n …(ii)
2r
nh
⇒ v=
2rmr
Substituting this value of v in (i), we get
m nh 2 1 Ze2
c
r 2rmr m =
4rf0 r2

486 Xam idea Physics–XII

 f0 h2 n2
This gives r =
rmZe2
Denoting radius of nth orbit by rn, we have
f0 h2 n2
rn = …(iii)
rmZe2
For hydrogen atom Z =1,
f0 h2 n2
∴ (rn) H =
rme2
The radius of first orbit of hydrogen atom is called Bohr’s radius. It is denoted by a0
f0 h2
⇒ a0 =
2
= 0.529 # 10 –10 m = 0.529 Å
rme
Energy of Orbiting Electron
1 Ze2
From equation (i), mv2 =
4rf0 r
1 1 Ze2
Kinetic energy, K= mv2 =
2 4rf0 2r
1 (Ze) (– e) 1 Ze2
Potential energy, U= r = –
4rf0 4rf0 r
1 Ze2 1 Ze2
Total energy E = K+U = –
4rf0 2r 4rf0 r
1 Ze2
⇒
E = –
4rf0 2r
For nth orbit, writing En for E, we have
1 Ze2
En = – …(iv)
4rf0 2rn
Substituting the value of rn from (iii) in (iv), we get
1 Ze2 mZ2 e 4
En = – = – …(v)
4rf0 f0 h2 n2 8f20 h2 n2
2f p
rmZe2
me 4
For convenience introducing Rydberg constant, R = …(vi)
8f20 ch3
The value of Rydberg constant is 1.097 × 107 m–1.
We have
Z2 Rhc
En = – …(vii)
n2
For hydrogen atom Z = 1,
Energy of orbiting electron in H-atom
Rhc
En = –
n2
13.6
⇒ En = – 2 eV …(viii)
n
Equations (iii) and (vii) indicate that radii and energies of hydrogen like atoms (i.e., atoms containing
one electron only) are quantised.

Atoms 487
 5. Energy Levels of Hydrogen Atom
The energy of electron in hydrogen atom (Z = 1) is given (or series of hydrogen spectrum) by
Rhc 13.6
En = – 2 = – 2 eV;
n n
Continuum E > 0
when n = 1, E1 = –13.6 eV n=∞ 0 eV
n=7 –0.28 eV
13.6 n=6 –0.38 eV
when n = 2, E2 = – eV = – 3.4 eV
4 n=5 –0.54 eV
13.6 n=4 –0.85 eV
when n = 3, E3 = – eV = –1.51 eV
9
13.6 n=3 –1.51 eV
when n = 4, E4 = – eV = – 0.85 eV
16
13.6
when n = 5, E5 = – eV = – 0.54 eV n=2 –3.40 eV
25
13.6
when n = 6, E6 = – eV = – 0.38 eV
36
13.6
when n = 7, E7 = – eV = – 0.28 eV
49 n=1 –13.60 eV
..................................................................
Fig. (a) Energy Level Diagram
..................................................................
13.6
when n = ∞, E3 = – eV = 0 eV
(3) 2
If these energies are expressed by vertical lines on proper scale, the diagram obtained is called the
energy level diagram. The energy level diagram of hydrogen atom is shown in fig. (a). Clearly the
separation between lines goes on decreasing rapidly with increase of n (i.e., order of orbit). The
series of lines of H-spectrum are shown in fig. (b).
If the total energy of electron is above zero, the electron is free and can have any energy. Thus
there is a continuum of energy states above E = 0 eV.
6. Hydrogen Spectrum
Hydrogen emission spectrum consists of 5 series.
(i) Lyman series: This lies in ultraviolet region.
(ii) Balmer series: This lies in the visible region.
(iii) Paschen series: This lies in near infrared region.
(iv) Brackett series: This lies in mid infrared region.
(v) Pfund series: This lies in far infrared region.
Hydrogen absorption spectrum consists of only Lyman series.
Explanation of Hydrogen Spectrum: ni and nf are the quantum numbers of initial and final states and
Ei and Ef are energies of electron in H-atom (Z =1) in initial and final states then we have
Rhc Rhc
2
Ei = –
and E f = – 2
ni nf
Energy of absorbed photon
1 1
TE = E f – Ei = Rhc f 2
– 2p
n f ni
If ν is the frequency of emitted radiation, we have from Bohr’s fourth postulate
Ei –E f
= – 2 – f – 2 p = Rc f 2 – 2 p …(ix)
Rc Rc 1 1
o=
h ni nf n f ni

488 Xam idea Physics–XII

 The wave number (i.e., reciprocal of wavelength) of the emitted radiation is given by
1 o 1 1
o = = c = Rf 2 – 2 p
m n f ni
The relation explains successfully the origin of various lines in the spectrum of hydrogen atom.
The series of lines are obtained due to the transition of electron from various other orbits to a fixed
inner orbit.
Continuum
n =∞ 0 eV
n=7 –0.28 eV
n=6 –0.38 eV
n=5 –0.54 eV
Pfund series
n=4 –0.85 eV
Brackett series
n=3 –1.51 eV
Paschen series

n=2 –3.40 eV
Balmer series
Lyman series

n=1 –13.6 eV

Fig. (b) Series of H-spectrum

(i) Lyman series: This series is produced when electron jumps from higher orbits to the first
stationary orbit (i.e., nf =1). Thus for this series
1 1 1
o= = R e 2 – 2 o where ni = 2, 3, 4, 5,...
m 1 ni
For longest wavelength of Lyman series ni = 2
1 1 1 3R
∴ = Rd 2 – 2 n =
mmax 1 2 4
4 4
∴
mmax = = m
3R 3 # 1.097 # 107
   = 1.215×10–7 m = 1215 Å
For shortest wavelength of Lyman series ni = ∞
1 1 1
∴ = Rd 2 – 3 n = R
mmin 1
1 1
mmin = = m = 0.9116 # 10 – 7 m = 911.6 Å
R 1.097 # 10 7

This is called series limit of Lyman series λlimit = 911.6 Å

Obviously the lines of Lyman series are found in ultraviolet region.
(ii) Balmer series: The series is produced when an electron jumps from higher orbits to the
second stationary orbit (nf = 2). Thus for this series,
1 1 1
o= = R e 2 – 2 o where ni = 3, 4, 5, 6,...
m 2 ni
For Longest wavelength of Balmer series (ni =3)
1 1 1 5R
= Rd 2 – 2 n =
mmax 2 3 36

Atoms 489
 36 36
mmax = = m = 6.563 # 10 –7 m = 6563 Å
5R 5 # 1.097 # 10 7

For Shortest wavelength (or series limit) of Balmer series ni → ∞

1 1 1 R
∴ = Rd 2 – 3 n =
mmin 2 4
4 4
mmin = = m = 3.646 # 10 –7 m =3646 Å
R 1.097 10
# –7

Obviously the lines of Balmer series are found in the visible region and first, second, third …
lines are called Hα, Hβ, Hγ..., lines respectively.
(iii) Paschen series: This series is produced when an electron jumps from higher orbits to the third
stationary orbit (nf =3).
1 1 1
o = = Re 2 – 2 o where ni = 4, 5, 6, 7,...
m 3 ni

For Longest wavelength of Paschen series (ni = 4)
1 1 7R 1
∴
– 2n= = Rd
mmax 3 2
4 144
144 144
∴
mmax = = m = 18.752 # 10 – 7 m = 18752 Å
7R 7 # 1.097 # 10 7

For Series limit of Paschen series (ni =∞)

1 1
= Rd 2 – 3 n =
1 R

mmin 3 9
9 9
mmin = = = 8.204 # 10 –7 m = 8204 Å
R 1.097 # 107
Obviously lines of Paschen series are found in infrared region.
(iv) Brackett series: This series is produced when an electron jumps from higher orbits to the
fourth stationary orbit (nf =4)
1 1 1
o = = R e 2 – 2 o where ni = 5, 6, 7, 8, ...
m 4 ni
(v) Pfund series: This series is produced when an electron jumps from higher orbits to the fifth
stationary orbit (nf = 5)
1 1 1
o = = Re 2 – 2 o where ni = 6, 7, 8, ...
m 5 ni
The last three series are found in infrared region.
The series spectrum of hydrogen atom is represented in figure.

Selected NCERT Textbook Questions

Q. 1. Suppose you are given a chance to repeat the alpha particle scattering experiment using a thin
sheet of solid hydrogen in place of gold foil (hydrogen is a solid at temperature below 14 K).
What results do you expect?
Ans. Size of hydrogen nucleus = 1.2×10–15 m.
∴Electrostatic potential energy of a-particle at nuclear surface

1 (2e ) (e ) 9
2 # (1.6 # 10 –19) 2
Ue = = 9 # 10 # J
4rf0 r 1.2 # 10 –15

9 # 109 # 2 # 1.6 # 10 –19
= eV
1.2 # 10 –15
= 2.4×106 eV = 2.4 MeV

490 Xam idea Physics–XII

 This is much less than incident energy 5.5 MeV of α-particle; therefore α-particle will penetrate
the nucleus and no scattering will be observed.
Aliter: The de Broglie wavelength of α-particle is much less than inter-proton distance in solid
hydrogen, so α-particle will move directly penetrating the nucleus.
Q. 2. A difference of 2.3 eV separates two energy levels in an atom. What is the frequency of radiation
emitted when the atom makes transition from the upper level to the lower level?
Ans. According to Bohr’s postulate
E1 – E2 = hν
∴ Frequency of emitted radiation
E − E2 2.3 eV
ν= 1 =
2.3 #h 1.6 # 10h–19 J
= –34 -
= 5.55×1014 Hz
6.63 # 10 J s
Q. 3. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is –13.6 eV. What is the kinetic and potential
energies of the electron in the ground and second excited state?
[CBSE (AI) 2010, 2011, Bhubaneshwar 2015]
1 1 e2
Ans. Kinetic energy, K = mv2 = . [for H-atom, Z = 1] …(i)
2 4rf0 2r

1 e2
Potential energy, U = – …(ii)
4rf0 r
1 e2
Total energy   E = K +U = − …(iii)
4πε0 2r
Comparing equations (i), (ii), (iii), we have
K = – E and U = 2E
Given      E = –13.6 eV (For ground state n = 1)
∴ Kinetic energy, K = 13.6 eV
Potential energy U = 2×(–13.6 eV)=–27.2 eV
For second excited state, n=3

∴
+13.6
K = −E = eV =1.51eV
9
2 # (–13.6 eV)
and      U = 2E = = – 3.02 eV
9
Q. 4. A hydrogen atom initially in the ground state absorbs a photon, which excites it to the n=4
level. Determine the wavelength and frequency of photon.
Ans. The energy levels of H-atom are given by
Rhc
En = −
n2

For given transition n1=1, n2=4
Rhc Rhc
∴
E1 = − 2
, E2 = − 2
1 4
∴ Energy of absorbed photon
1 1 
∆E = E2 − E1 = Rhc  2 − 2 
1 4 
15
or ∆E = Rhc …(i)
16

Atoms 491
 ∴ Wavelength of absorbed photon λ is given by
hc
∆E =
λ
hc 15 16
∴ = Rhc ⇒ λ =
λ 16 15R
16
or m= m = 9.72 # 10 –8 m
15 # 1.097 # 107
c 3 # 108
Frequency, o= = –8
= 3.09 # 1015 Hz
m 9.72 10
#
Q. 5. (a) Using the Bohr’s model, calculate the speed of electron in the hydrogen atom in n=1, 2
and 3 levels.
(b) Calculate the orbital period in each of these levels.
Ans. (a) The speed of electron in stable orbit of H-atom is
e2 1 (1.6 × 10−19 )2 1
v = . =  
2ε0 h n 2 × 8.85 × 10−12 × 6.63 × 10−34  n

2.18 × 106
= m /s
n
For n=1, v1 = 2.18 × 106 m/s.

2.18 # 106
For n=2, v2 = = 1.09 # 106 m/s
2
2.18 # 106
For n=3, v3 = = 7.27 # 105 m/s
3
Obviously the speed of electron goes on decreasing with increasing n.
2πr 2π(ε0 h2 n2 / πme2 )
(b) Time period, T = =
v (e2 / 2ε0 hn)

4ε2 h3 n3 4 × (8.85 × 10−12 )2 × (6.63 × 10−34 )3 × n3
  = 0 4 =
me 9.1 × 10−31 × (1.6
6 × 10−19 )4
  = 1.53×10–16 n3 seconds
For n=1, T1 = 1.53×10–16 s
For n=2, T2 = 1.53×10–16×(2)3 = 12.24×10–16 s
For n=3, T3 = 1.53×10–16×(3)3 = 41.31×10–16 s
Q. 6. The radius of innermost orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.3×10–11 m. What are the radii of n=2
and n=3 orbits?
Ans. The radii of Bohr’s orbits are given by
f0 h2 n2
   rn = 2
& rn ? n2
rme
For ground state n = 1, r1 = 5.3 × 10–11 m (given)
r2 n 2
   = d 2n
r1 n1
2 2
⇒    r2 = c m r1 = 4r1 = 4 # 5.3 # 10 –11 = 2.12 # 10 –10 m
1
For n =3,  r3 = (3) r1 = 9 × 5.3 × 10–11
2

   = 4.77 × 10–10 m

492 Xam idea Physics–XII

 Q. 7. In accordance with Bohr’s model, find the quantum number, that characterises the earth’s
revolution around the sun in an orbit of radius 1.5 × 1011 m with orbital speed 3 × 104 m/s.
(Mass of earth = 6.0 × 1024 kg)
Ans. According to Bohr’s model, angular momentum
h 2rmvr
mvr = n ⇒ n =
2r h
24 4 11
Given m = 6.0 × 10 kg, v = 3 × 10 m/s, r = 1.5 × 10 m
2 × 3.14 # 6 # 1024 × 3 ×10 4 ×1.5 ×1011
∴
n= = 2.57 × 1074
6.6 ×10 –34
Q. 8. Obtain the first Bohr’s radius and the ground state energy of a ‘muonic’ hydrogen atom [i.e.,
an atom in which a negatively charged muon (µ– ) of mass about 207 me orbits around a proton].
Ans. If mµ is the mass of muon, then from Bohr’s theory

1 e2 mn v2 nh
= r and mn vr = [for H-atom, Z = 1]
4rf0 r2 2r

Eliminating v from these equations, we get
ε 0 h2 n 2
r=
πmµ e2
As mµ =207me,where me is mass of electron
ε 0 h2 n 2
∴
r=
207πme e2

For ground state for muon, we have
f0 h2
rn =
207rme .e2
f0 h2

But = ground state radius of H-atom = 0.53×10–10 m
rm e e 2
0.53 # 10 –10
∴
rn = = 2.56 # 10 –13 m
207
me 4 1
Also energy     En = − 2 2 . 2
8ε0 h n
En mn mn

Obviously, En ? m = m & En = m # Ee
Ee e e

Ground state energy of an electron in H-atom, Ee = – 13.6 eV

207me 3
∴
En = me ×(–13.6 eV) = – 2.8 × 10 eV = – 2.8 keV

Multiple Choice Questions [1 mark]

Choose and write the correct option(s) in the following questions.
1. The size of the atom is proportional to
(a) A (b) A1/3 (c) A2/3 (d) A –1/3

2. To explain his theory, Bohr used
(a) conservation of linear momentum (b) quantisation of angular momentum
(c) conservation of quantum (d) none of these

Atoms 493
 3. Taking the Bohr radius as a0 = 53 pm, the radius of Li++ ion in its ground state, on the basis
of Bohr’s model, will be about [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 53 pm (b) 27 pm (c) 18 pm (d) 13 pm
4. The ratio of energies of the hydrogen atom in its first to second excited state is
1 1
(a) 1 : 4 (b) 4 : 1 (c) – 4 : – 9 (d) – : –
4 9
5. The binding energy of a H-atom, considering an electron moving around a fixed nuclei
me 4
(proton), is B = – 2 2 2 (m = electron mass).
8n f0 h
If one decides to work in a frame of reference where the electron is at rest, the proton would
be moving arround it. By similar arguments, the binding energy would be
me 4
B = – 2 2 2 (M = proton mass) [NCERT Exemplar]
8n f0 h
This last expression is not correct because
(a) n would not be integral
(b) Bohr-quantisation applies only to electron
(c) the frame in which the electron is at rest is not inertial
(d) the motion of the proton would not be in circular orbits, even approximately
6. The simple Bohr model cannot be directly applied to calculate the energy levels of an atom
with many electrons. This is because [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) of the electrons not being subject to a central force
(b) of the electrons colliding with each other
(c) of screening effects
(d) the force between the nucleus and an electron will no longer be given by Coulomb’s law
7. The ratio of the speed of the electrons in the ground state of hydrogen to the speed of light in
vacuum is
(a) 1/2 (b) 2/237 (c) 1/137 (d) 1/237
8. For the ground state, the electron in the H-atom has an angular momentum = h, according
to the simple Bohr model. Angular momentum is a vector and hence there will be infinitely
many orbits with the vector pointing in all possible directions. In actuality, this is not true,
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) because Bohr model gives incorrect values of angular momentum.
(b) because only one of these would have a minimum energy.
(c) angular momentum must be in the direction of spin of electron.
(d) because electrons go around only in horizontal orbits.
9. O2 molecule consists of two oxygen atoms. In the molecule, nuclear force between the nuclei
of the two atoms [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) is not important because nuclear forces are short-ranged.
(b) is as important as electrostatic force for binding the two atoms.
(c) cancels the repulsive electrostatic force between the nuclei.
(d) is not important because oxygen nucleus have equal number of neutrons and protons.
10. In the following transitions of the hydrogen atom, the one which gives an absorption line of
highest frequency is
(a) n = 1 to n = 2 (b) n = 3 to n = 8 (c) n = 2 to n = 1 (d) n = 8 to n = 3
11. The wavelength of the first line of Lyman series in hydrogen is 1216 Å. The wavelength of the
second line of the same series will be
(a) 912 Å (b) 1026 Å (c) 3648 Å (d) 6566 Å

494 Xam idea Physics–XII

 12. Two H atoms in the ground state collide inelastically. The maximum amount by which their
combined kinetic energy is reduced is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 10.20 eV (b) 20.40 eV (c) 13.6 eV (d) 27.2 eV
13. When an electron in an atom goes from a lower to a higher orbit, its
(a) kinetic energy (KE) increases, potential energy (PE) decreases
(b) KE increases, PE increases
(c) KE decreases, PE increases
(d) KE decreases, PE decreases
14. According to Bohr’s theory, the energy of radiation in the transition from the third excited
state to the first excited state for a hydrogen atom is
(a) 0.85 eV (b) 13.6 eV (c) 2.55 eV (d) 3.4 eV
15. Given the value of Rydberg constant is 107 m–1, the wave number of the last line of the Balmer
series in hydrogen spectrum will be
(a) 0.25 × 107 m–1 (b) 2.5 × 107 m–1 (c) 0.025 × 104 m–1 (d) 0.5 × 107 m–1
16. If an electron in a hydrogen atom jumps from the 3rd orbit to the 2nd orbit, it emits a photon of
wavelength l. When it jumps from the 4th orbit to the 3rd orbit, the corresponding wavelength
of the photon will be
16 9 20 20
(a) m (b) m (c) m (d) m
25 16 7 13
17. Hydrogen H, deuterium D, singly-ionised helium He+ and doubly-ionised lithium Li++ all
have one electron around the nucleus. Consider n = 2 to n = 1 transition. The wavelengths of
the emitted radiations are m1, m2, m 3, and m 4 respectively. Then approximately
(a) m1 = 2m2 = 2 2 m3 = 3 2 m 4 (b) m1 = m2 = 2m3 = 3m 4
(c) m1 = m2 = 4m3 = 9m 4 (d) 4m1 = 2m2 = 2m3 = m 4
18. The Bohr model for the spectra of a H-atom [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) will not be applicable to hydrogen in the molecular from.
(b) will not be applicable as it is for a He-atom.
(c) is valid only at room temperature.
(d) predicts continuous as well as discrete spectral lines.
1 me 4
19. Let En = 2 2 2 be the energy of the nth level of H-atom. If all the H-atoms are in the
8f0 n h
ground state and radiation of frequency (E2 – E1)/h falls on it, [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) it will not be absorbed at all.
(b) some of atoms will move to the first excited state.
(c) all atoms will be excited to the n = 2 state.
(d) no atoms will make a transition to the n = 3 state.
20. A set of atoms in an excited state decays.
(a) in general to any of the states with lower energy.
(b) into a lower state only when excited by an external electric field.
(c) all together simultaneously into a lower state.
(d) to emit photons only when they collide.

Answers
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (c)
8. (a) 9. (a) 10. (a) 11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (c) 14. (c)
15. (a) 16. (c) 17. (c) 18. (a), (b) 19. (b), (d) 20. (a)

Atoms 495
Fill in the Blanks [1 mark]
1. The angle of scattering θ for zero value of impact parameter b is _________________.
2. The frequency spectrum of radiation emitted as per Rutherford’s model of atom is _____________.
3. The force responsible for scattering of alpha particle with target nucleus is _______________.
4. According to de Broglie a stationary orbit is that which contains an _______________ number of
de Broglie waves associated with the revolting electron.
5. _______________ is a physical quantity whose dimensions are the same as that of Plank’s constant.
6. _______________ series of hydrogen spectrum lies in the visible region electromagnetic spectrum.
7. _______________ is the ionisation potential of hydrogen atom.
8. Total energy of electron in a stationary orbit is _________________, which means the electron is
bound to the nucleus and is not free to leave it.
9. The value of Rydberg constant is _________________.
10. When an electron jumps from 2nd stationary orbit of hydrogen atom to 1st stationary orbit, the
energy emitted is _________________.

Answers
1. 180° 2. continuous 3. electrostatic force 4. integral
5. Angular momentum 6. Balmer 7. 13.6 eV
7 –1
8. negative 9. 1.09 × 10 m 10. 10.2 eV

Very Short Answer Questions [1 mark]

Q. 1. Write the expression for Bohr’s radius in hydrogen atom. [CBSE Delhi 2010]
2
f0 h
Ans. Bohr’s radius, r1 = 2
= 0.529 × 10 –10 m
rme
Q. 2. In the Rutherford scattering experiment the distance of closest approach for an α-particle is
d0. If α-particle is replaced by a proton, how much kinetic energy in comparison to α-particle
will it require to have the same distance of closest approach d0? [CBSE (F) 2009]
1 ]Zeg]2eg
Ans. Ek = (for α-particle, q = 2e)
4rf0 d0
1 ]Zeg] e g
Ekl = (for proton, q = e)
4rf0 d0
Ekl 1 Ek
= ⇒ Ekl =
Ek 2 2
That is KE of proton must be half on comparison with KE of α-particle.
Q. 3. What is the ratio of radii of the orbits corresponding to first excited state and ground state in
a hydrogen atom? [CBSE Delhi 2010]
f0 h2 n2
Ans. rn = 2
\ n2
rme
For 1st excited state, n = 2
For ground state, n = 1
r2 4
∴ r1 = 1

496 Xam idea Physics–XII

 Q. 4. Find the ratio of energies of photons produced due to transition of an electron of hydrogen
atom from its:
(i) second permitted energy level to the first level, and
(ii) the highest permitted energy level to the first permitted level. [CBSE (AI) 2010]
1 1
Ans. EI = Rhc e o = Rhc
– 3
12 22 4
1 1
EII = Rhc d 2 – 2 n = Rhc
1 3
EI 3
Ratio =
EII 4
Q. 5. State Bohr’s quantisation condition for defining stationary orbits. [CBSE (F) 2010]
Ans. Quantum Condition: The stationary orbits are those in which angular momentum of electron is
h
an integral multiple of i.e.,
2r
h
mvr = n , n = 1, 2, 3, ...
2r
Integer n is called the principal quantum number. This equation is called Bohr’s quantum
condition.
Q. 6. The radius of innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.1 × 10–11 m. What is the radius
of orbit in the second excited state? [CBSE Delhi 2010]
Ans. In ground state, n = 1
In second excited state, n = 3
As rn ∝ n2
r3 3 2
∴ r1 = c m =9
1
r3 = 9r1 = 9 × 5.1 × 10–11 m = 4.59 × 10–10 m
Q. 7. The mass of H-atom is less than the sum of the masses of a proton and electron. Why is this
so? [NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]
B
Ans. Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence gives E = mc2. Thus the mass of an H-atom is mp+me –
C2
where B ≈ 13.6 eV is the binding energy. It is less than the sum of masses of a proton and an
electron.
Q. 8. When an electron falls from a higher energy to a lower energy level, the difference in the
energies appears in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Why cannot it be emitted as other
forms of energy? [NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]
Ans. This is because electrons interact only electromagnetically.
Q. 9. Would the Bohr formula for the H-atom remain unchanged if proton had a charge (+4/3)e and
electron had a charge (–3/4)e, where e = 1.6 × 10–19 C? Give reasons for your answer.
[NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]
Ans. Yes, since the Bohr formula involves only the product of the charges.
Q. 10. Consider two different hydrogen atoms. The electron in each atom is in an excited state. Is it
possible for the electrons to have different energies but the same orbital angular momentum
according to the Bohr model? [NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]
13.6
Ans. No, because according to Bohr model, En = – 2 , and electrons having different energies
n
belong to different levels having different values of n. So, their angular momenta will be different,
nh
as mvr = .
2r

Atoms 497
Short Answer Questions–I [2 marks]
Q. 1. Define the distance of closest approach. An a-particle of kinetic energy ‘K’ is bombarded on a
thin gold foil. The distance of the closest approach is Nucleus
‘r’. What will be the distance of closest approach for an
a-particle of double the kinetic energy? -particle
 [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. Distance of closest approach is the distance of charged + + +
+ +
particle from the centre of the nucleus, at which the + +
entire initial kinetic energy of the charged particles + +
+ + +
gets converted into the electric potential energy of the
system.
Distance of closest approach (ro) is given by

1 2Ze2

ro = . ro
4πε0 K

ro
If ‘K’ is doubled, ro becomes .
2
Q. 2. Write two important limitations of Rutherford nuclear model of the atom.
[CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. Two important limitations of Rutherford Model are:
(i) According to Rutherford model, electron orbiting around the nucleus, continuously radiates
energy due to the acceleration; hence the atom will not remain stable.
(ii) As electron spirals inwards; its angular velocity and frequency change continuously, therefore
it should emit a continuous spectrum.
But an atom like hydrogen always emits a discrete line spectrum.
Q. 3. Define ionization energy. How would the ionization energy change when electron in hydrogen
atom is replaced by a particle of mass 200 times than that of the electron but having the same
charge?  [CBSE Central 2016]
Ans. The minimum energy required to free the electron from the ground state of the hydrogen atom
is known as ionization energy.
me 4
E0 = , i.e., E0 ∝ m
8 f2 h2
Therefore, ionization energy will become 200 times.
Q. 4. In an experiment on a-particle scattering by
a thin foil of gold, draw a plot showing the 108
number of particles scattered versus the
106
scattering angle θ.
No. of scattered
α particles

Why is it that a very small fraction of the 104

particles are scattered at θ > 90°?
[CBSE (F) 2013] 102
Ans. A small fraction of the alpha particles
10
scattered at angle θ > 90° is due to the
reason that if impact parameter ‘b’ reduces 0
to zero, coulomb force increases, hence 45° 90° 135° 180°
Scattering angle
alpha particles are scattered at angle
θ > 90°, and only one alpha particle is scattered at angle 180°.

498 Xam idea Physics–XII

 Q. 5. Find out the wavelength of the electron orbiting in the ground state of hydrogen atom.
[CBSE Delhi 2017]
o
Ans. Radius of ground state of hydrogen atom, r = 0.53 A = 0.53 × 10−10 m
According to de Broglie relation, 2πr = nλ
For ground state, n = 1
2 × 3.14 × 0.53 × 10–10 = 1 × λ
∴            λ = 3.32 × 10–10 m

= 3.32 Å
Q. 6. When is Hα line in the emission spectrum of hydrogen atom obtained? Calculate the frequency
of the photon emitted during this transition. [CBSE North 2016]
Ans. The line with the longest wavelength of the Balmer series is called Hα.
1 1 1
= Rd 2 – 2 n
m 2 n
where λ = wavelength
R = 1.097×107 m–1 (Rydberg constant)
When the electron jumps from the orbit with n = 3 to n = 2,
we have
1 1 1 1 5
= Rd 2 – 2 n & = R
m 2 3 m 36
The frequency of photon emitted is given by
c 5
o = = c# R
m 36
5
= 3 # 108 # # 1.097 # 107 Hz
36
= 4.57 × 1014 Hz
Q. 7. Calculate the de-Broglie wavelength of the electron orbiting in the n = 2 state of hydrogen
atom. [CBSE Central 2016]
OR
The kinetic energy of the electron orbiting in the first excited state of hydrogen atom is 3.4 eV.
Determine the de Broglie wavelength associated with it. [CBSE (F) 2015]
Ans. Kinetic Energy for the second state
13.6 eV 13.6 eV 13.6 eV
Ek = = = = 3.4 # 1.6 # 10 –19 J
n2 22 4
h
de Broglie wavelength m =
2mEk
6.63 # 10 –34
     = = 0.67 nm
2 # 9.1 # 10 –31 # 3.4 # 1.6 # 10 –19
Q. 8. Calculate the orbital period of the electron in the first excited state of hydrogen atom.
[CBSE 2019 (55/1/1)]
Ans. For ground state, n = 1
For first excited state, n = 2
Now, Tn a n3
T2 23
= 3 & T2 = 8T1 = 8 times of orbital period of the electron in the
T1 1 ground state.

Atoms 499
 Q. 9. The energy levels of an atom are given below in the diagram.
0 eV

–1 eV
A
B C D E
–3 eV

–10 eV

Which of the transitions belong to Lyman and Balmer series? Calculate the ratio of the shortest
wavelengths of the Lyman and the Balmer series of the spectra.
[CBSE Chennai 2015, CBSE 2019 (55/2/3)]
Ans. Transition C and E belong to Lyman series.
Reason: In Lyman series, the electron jumps to lowest energy level from any higher energy levels.
Transition B and D belong to Balmer series.
Reason: The electron jumps from any higher energy level to the level just above the ground
energy level.
The wavelength associated with the transition is given by
hc
m=
TE
Ratio of the shortest wavelength
hc hc
         m L : m B = :
TE L TE B

1 1
= : = 3 : 10
0 – (–10) 0 – (–3)
Q. 10. Show that the radius of the orbit in hydrogen atom varies as n2, where n is the principal
quantum number of the atom. [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Ans. Hydrogen atom
Let r be the radius of the orbit of a hydrogen atom. Forces acting on electron are centrifugal
force (Fc) and electrostatic attraction (Fe)
At equilibrium, Fc = Fe
mv2 1 e2
r = [for H-atom, Z = 1]
4rf0 r2
According to Bohr’s postulate
nh nh
mvr = & v=
2r 2rmr

nh 2 1 1 e2 mn2 h2 1 e2
mc m .r = ⇒ =
2rmr 4rf0 r2 4r 2 m 2 r 2 .r 4rf0 r2
n2 h2 f0
r= ⇒ ` r \ n2
rme2

500 Xam idea Physics–XII

 Q. 11. When the electron orbiting in hydrogen atom in its ground state moves to the third excited
state, show how the de Broglie wavelength associated with it would be affected.
[CBSE Ajmer 2015]
Ans. We know,
h h
de Broglie wavelength, m = = mv
p
1
⇒
m \ v,
1
Also v\ n

∴ m\n
∴ de Broglie wavelength will increase.
Q. 12. When an electron in hydrogen atom jumps from the third excited state to the ground state, how
would the de Broglie wavelength associated with the electron change? Justify your answer.
[CBSE Allahabad 2015]
Ans. de Broglie wavelength associated with a moving charge particle having a KE ‘K’ can be given as
p2
>K = 1 mv2 = H …(i)
h h
m= =
p 2mK 2 2m
The kinetic energy of the electron in any orbit of hydrogen atom can be given as
13.6
K=–E= –d eV n = – 13.6 eV …(ii)
n2 n2
Let K1 and K4 be the KE of the electron in ground state and third excited state, where n1 = 1
shows ground state and n2 = 4 shows third excited state.
Using the concept of equation (i) & (ii), we have
m1 K4 n12
= =
m4 K1 n22
m1 12 1
= =
m4 4 2 4
m4
⇒
m1 =
4
i.e., the wavelength in the ground state will decrease.
Q. 13. A photon emitted during the de-excitation of electron from a state n to the first excited state
in a hydrogen atom, irradiates a metallic cathode of work function 2 eV, in a photo cell, with a
stopping potential of 0.55 V. Obtain the value of the quantum number of the state n.
[CBSE 2019 (55/2/1)]
Ans. From photoelectric equation,
hn = f0 + eVs
= 2+ 0.55 = 2.55 eV
13.6
Given, En = – 2
n
The energy difference, DE = – 3.4 –(– 2.55) eV = −0.85 eV
13.6
– 2 = – 0.85
n
\ n = 4
Q. 14. A hydrogen atom in the ground state is excited by an electron beam of 12.5 eV energy. Find out
the maximum number of lines emitted by the atom from its excited state. [CBSE 2019 (55/2/1)]

Atoms 501
 Ans. Energy in ground state, E1 = − 13.6 eV
Energy supplied = 12.5 eV
Energy in excited state, −13.6 + 12.5 = − 1.1 eV
13.6
But, En = – 2 = – 1.1
n
         n b 3
Maximum number of lines = 3.
Q. 15. The trajectories, traced by different α-particles, in Geiger-Marsden experiment were observed
as shown in the figure.

O
Target nucleus
(a) What names are given to the symbols ‘b’ and ‘θ’ shown here?
(b) What can we say about the values of b for (i) θ = 0° (ii) θ = p radians? [HOTS]
Ans. (a) The symbol ‘b’ represents impact parameter and ‘θ’ represents the scattering angle.
(b) (i) When θ = 0°, the impact parameter will be maximum and represent the atomic size.
(ii) When θ = π radians, the impact parameter ‘b’ will be minimum and represent the nuclear
size.
Q. 16. Which is easier to remove: orbital electron from an atom or a nucleon from a nucleus? [HOTS]
Ans. It is easier to remove an orbital electron from an atom. The reason is the binding energy of
orbital electron is a few electron-volts while that of nucleon in a nucleus is quite large (nearly
8 MeV). This means that the removal of an orbital electron requires few electron volt energy
while the removal of a nucleon from a nucleus requires nearly 8 MeV energy.
Q. 17. (a) Draw the energy level diagram showing the emission of b-particles followed by γ-rays by a
60
27 Co
nucleus.
(b) Plot the distribution of kinetic energy of b-particles and state why the energy spectrum is
continuous. [HOTS]
Ans. (a) The energy level diagram is shown in Fig. (a).
(b) Plot of distribution of KE of b-particles is shown in Fig. (b).
60
Co
27 β– Number of
β-particles
per unit
Er = 1.17 MeV energy

Er = 1.33 MeV
Kinetic energy
60 of β-particles
28
Ni
(a) Energy level diagram (b) Energy distribution of β-particles
The energy spectrum of b-particles is continuous because an antineutrino is simultaneously
emitted in β-decay; the total energy released in b-decay is shared by b-particle and the
antineutrino so that momentum of system may remain conserved.

502 Xam idea Physics–XII

Short Answer Questions–II [3 marks]
Q. 1. (a) Using Bohr’s second postulate of quantization of orbital angular momentum show that
the circumference of the electron in the nth orbital state in hydrogen atom is n times the
de Broglie wavelength associated with it. [CBSE (F) 2017]
(b) The electron in hydrogen atom is initially in the third excited state. What is the maximum
number of spectral lines which can be emitted when it finally moves to the ground state?
OR
(a) State Bohr’s quantization condition for defining stationary orbits. How does de Broglie
hypothesis explain the stationary orbits?
(b) Find the relation between the three wavelengths λ1, λ2 and λ3 from the energy level diagram
shown below. [CBSE Delhi 2016]
C

λ1 λ3
B

λ2
A
Ans. (a) Only those orbits are stable for which the angular momentum of revolving electron is an
integral multiple of c m where h is the planck’s constant.
h
2r
According to Bohr's second postulate
h nh
mvrn = n & 2rrn = mv
2r
h h
But   mv = = m (By de Broglie hypothesis)
p
∴ 2πrn = nλ n= 4
(b) For third excited state, n = 4
n= 3
For ground state, n = 1
Hence possible transitions are n= 2
ni = 4 to nf = 3, 2, 1
ni = 3 to nf = 2, 1
ni = 2 to nf = 1
Total number of transitions = 6 n= 1
hc
EC – EB = ...(i)
m1
hc
EB – E A = ...(ii)
m2
hc
EC – E A = ...(iii)
m3
Adding (i) and (ii), we have
hc hc
EC – E A = + ...(iv)
m1 m2
From (iii) and (iv), we have
hc hc hc 1 1 1
= + & = +
m3 m1 m2 m3 m1 m2
m1 m2
m3 =
m1 + m2

Atoms 503
 Q. 2.
(i) State Bohr postulate of hydrogen atom that gives the relationship for the frequency of
emitted photon in a transition.
(ii) An electron jumps from fourth to first orbit in an atom. How many maximum number of spectral
lines can be emitted by the atom? To which series these lines correspond? [CBSE (F) 2016]
Ans. (i) Bohr’s third postulate: It states that an electron might make a transition from one of its
specified non-radiating orbits to another of lower energy. When it does so, a photon is
emitted having energy equal to the energy difference between the initial and final states.
The frequency of the emitted photon is given by
hν = Ei –Ef
where Ei and Ef are the energies of the initial and final states and Ei > Ef .
(ii) Electron jumps from fourth to first orbit in an atom
∴
Maximum number of spectral lines can be
4 4! 4#3
C2 = = =6
2!2! 2
In diagram, possible way in which electron can jump (above).
n=4

n=3
Paschen Series

n=2
Balmer Series
n=1
Lyman Series

The line responds to Lyman series (e– jumps to 1st orbit), Balmer series (e– jumps to 2nd
orbit), Paschen series (e– jumps to 3rd orbit).

Q. 3. The energy levels of a hypothetical atom are shown alongside. Which of the shown transitions
will result in the emission of a photon of wavelength 275 nm?
Which of these transitions correspond to emission of radiation of (i) maximum and
(ii) minimum wavelength? [CBSE Delhi 2011]

Ans. Energy of photon wavelength 275 nm

hc 6.63 ×10 –34 × 3 ×108
E = = eV = 4.5 eV.
m 275 ×10 –9 ×1.6 ×10 –19
This corresponds to transition ‘B’.
hc hc
(i) TE = & m=
m TE
For maximum wavelength ∆E should be minimum. This corresponds to transition A.
(ii) For minimum wavelength ∆E should be maximum. This corresponds to transition D.

504 Xam idea Physics–XII

 Q. 4. The energy levels of an atom of element X are shown in the diagram. Which one of the level
transitions will result in the emission of photons of wavelength 620 nm? Support your answer
with mathematical calculations. [CBSE Sample Question Paper 2018]
A B C
0

– 1 eV D E

– 3 eV

– 10 eV Ground state

hc
Ans. E =
m
6.6 ×10 –34 × 3 ×108
=
620 ×10 –9
= 3.2 × 10–19 J
3.2 ×10 –19
= = 2 eV
1.6 ×10 –19
This corresponds to the transition ‘D’. Hence level transition D will result in emission of
wavelength 620 nm.
Q. 5. The energy level diagram of an element is given below. Identify, by doing necessary calculations,
which transition corresponds to the emission of a spectral line of wavelength 102.7 nm.
[CBSE Delhi 2008]
_ 0.85 eV
A
_ 1.5 eV
B C
_ 3.4 eV

_ 13.6 eV

hc 6.6 # 10 –34 # 3 # 108

Ans. TE = = J
m 102.7 # 10 –9
6.6 # 10 –34 # 3 # 108
= eV
102.7 # 10 –9 # 1.6 # 10 –19
66 # 3000
= = 12.04 eV
1027 # 16
Now, ∆E =|–13.6 – (–1.50)|
  = 12.1 eV
Hence, transition shown by arrow D corresponds to emission of λ = 102.7 nm.

Atoms 505
 Q. 6. (a) State Bohr’s postulate to define stable orbits in hydrogen atom. How does de Broglie’s
hypothesis explain the stability of these orbits?
(b) A hydrogen atom initially in the ground state absorbs a photon which excites it to the
n = 4 level. Estimate the frequency of the photon. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. (a) Bohr’s postulate, for stable orbits, states
“The electron, in an atom, revolves around the nucleus only in those orbits for which its
h
angular momentum is an integral multiple of (h = Planck’s constant).”
2r
As per de Broglie’s hypothesis
h h
m = = mv
p
For a stable orbit, we must have circumference of the orbit= nl (n=1,2,3,…….)
nh
\ 2rr = mv
nh
or mvr =
2r
Thus de-Broglie showed that formation of stationary pattern for integral ‘n’ gives rise to
stability of the atom.
This is nothing but the Bohr’s postulate.
–E0 E0
(b) Energy in the n = 4 level = 2 = –
4 16
` Energy required to take the electron from the ground state, to the
E0
n = 4 level = e – o – (–E0)
16
–1 + 16
= e o E0 =
15
E
16 16 0
15
= ×13.6 ×1.6 ×10 –19 J
16
Let the frequency of the photon be n, we have
15
    ho = ×13.6 ×1.6 ×10 –19
16
15 ×13.6 ×1.6 ×10 –19

` o= Hz
16 ×6.63 ×10 –34
    = 3.07 × 1015 Hz
Q. 7. Determine the distance of closest approach when an alpha particle of kinetic energy 4.5 MeV
strikes a nucleus of Z = 80, stops and reverses its direction. [CBSE Ajmer 2015]
Ans. Let r be the centre to centre distance between the alpha particle and the nucleus (Z = 80). When
the alpha particle is at the stopping point, then
1 (Ze) (2e)
K= r
4rf 0
2
1 2Ze
or r= .
4rf0 K
9 # 109 # 2 # 80 e2 9 # 109 # 2 # 80 # (1.6 # 10 –19) 2
= =
4.5 MeV 4.5 # 106 ×1.6 # 10 –19
9 # 160 # 1.6
= # 10 –16 = 512 # 10 –16 m
4.5
= 5.12 × 10–14 m

506 Xam idea Physics–XII

 Q. 8. A 12.3 eV electron beam is used to bombard gaseous hydrogen at room temperature. Upto
which energy level the hydrogen atoms would be excited?
Calculate the wavelengths of the second member of Lyman series and second member of
Balmer series. [CBSE Delhi 2014]
Ans. The energy of electron in the nth orbit of hydrogen atom is
13.6
En = – eV
n2
when the incident beam of energy 12.3 eV is absorbed by hydrogen atom. Let the electron jump
from n = 1 to n = n level.
E = En – E1
13.6 13.6
12.3 = – 2 – d – 2 n
n 1
1 12.3 1
⇒ 12.3 = 13.6 <1 – 2 F & = 1– 2
n 13.6 n
1 2
⇒ 0.9 = 1 – 2 & n = 10 & n = 3
n
That is the hydrogen atom would be excited upto second excited state.
For Lyman Series
1 1 1
= R> 2 – 2 H
m n f ni
8
= 1.097 # 107 ; – E
1 1 1 1
⇒
& = 1.097 # 107 #
m 1 9 m 9
9
⇒
m= 7
= 1.025 # 10 –7 = 102.5 nm
8 1.097 10
# #
For Balmer Series
3
= 1.097 # 107 ; – E
1 1 1 1
& = 1.097 # 107 #
m 4 16 m 16
⇒ λ=4.86×10–7m ⇒ λ=486 nm
Q. 9. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is – 13.6 eV. If an electron makes a transition from
an energy level – 1.51 eV to – 3.4 eV, calculate the wavelength of the spectral line emitted and
name the series of hydrogen spectrum to which it belongs. [CBSE (AI) 2017]
Ans. Energy difference = Energy of emitted photon
= E1 – E2
= – 1.51 – (–3.4) = 1.89 eV = 1.89 × 1.6 × 10–19 J
hc
λ=
E1 − E2

6.6 × 10−34 × 3 × 108 19.8

= = × 10−7
1.89 × 1.6 × 10−19 3.024
= 6.548 × 10–7 m = 6548 Å
This wavelength belongs to Balmer series of hydrogen spectrum.
Q. 10. A hydrogen atom initially in its ground state absorbs a photon and is in the excited state with
energy 12.5 eV. Calculate the longest wavelength of the radiation emitted and identify the
series to which it belongs.
[Take Rydberg constant R = 1.1 × 107 m–1] [CBSE East 2016]
Ans. Let ni and nf are the quantum numbers of initial and final states, then we have
1 1 1
= Rf 2 – 2 p
mmax n f ni

Atoms 507
 The energy of the incident photon = 12.5 eV.
Energy of ground state = –13.6 eV
∴ Energy after absorption of photon can be –1.1 eV.
This means that electron can go to the excited state ni =3. It emits photon of maximum
wavelength on going to nf =2, therefore,
1 1 1
= ( 2 – 2 2R
mmax 2 3
36 36
mmax = = = 6.545 × 10–7 m = 6545 Å
5R 5 # 1.1 # 107
It belongs to Balmer Series.
Q. 11. The short wavelength limit for the Lyman series of the hydrogen spectrum is 913.4 Å. Calculate
the short wavelength limit for Balmer series of the hydrogen spectrum. [CBSE (AI) 2017]
1  1 1 
Ans. = R 2 − 2 
λ n
 1 n 2 

For short wavelength of Lyman series, n1 = 1, n2 = ∞

1 1
= Re 2 – 3 o = R
1
∴

mL 1
1
m L = = 913.4 Å
R
For short wavelength of Balmer series, n1 = 2, n2 = ∞

1 1 1 R
= R 2 −  =
λB 2 ∞ 4
4
\ m B = = 4 # 913.4 Å = 3653.6 Å
R
Q. 12. A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to excite a gaseous hydrogen atom at room temperature.
Determine the wavelengths and the corresponding series of the lines emitted.[CBSE (AI) 2017]
Ans. It is given that the energy of the electron beam used to bombard gaseous hydrogen at room
temperature is 12.5 eV.
Also, the energy of the gaseous hydrogen in its ground state at room temperature is –13.6 eV.
When gaseous hydrogen is bombarded with an electron beam, the energy of the gaseous
hydrogen becomes –13.6 + 12.5 eV = –1.1 eV.
Orbital energy related to orbit level (n) is
−13.6
E= eV
( n)2
For n = 3,
– 13.6 –13.6
E =
eV = eV = – 1.5 eV
(3) 2 9
This energy is approximately equal to the energy of gaseous hydrogen.
This implies that the electron has jumped from n = 1 to n = 3 level.
During its de-excitation, electrons can jump from n = 3 to n = 1 directly, which forms a line of
the Lyman series of the hydrogen spectrum.
Relation for wave number for the Lyman series is

1 1 1 
= R 2 − 2 
λ 1 n 
For first member n = 3

508 Xam idea Physics–XII

 1 1 1  1 1 
∴
= R 2 − 2 = R − 
λ1 1 (3)  1 9 

∴

1  9 − 1  (where Rydberg constant R = 1.097 × 107 m–1)
= 1.097 × 107  
λ1  9 

1 8
∴ = 1.097 × 107 × ⇒ λ1 = 1.025 × 10−7 m
λ1 9
For n = 2,
1 1 1 1 1
∴ = R> 2 – 2H
= R< – F
m2 1 ( 2) 1 4

1 4 –1
∴
= 1.097 # 107 < F
m2 4
1 3
∴
= 1.097 × 107 × ⇒ λ 2 = 1.215 × 10–7 m
λ2 4

Relation for wave number for the Balmer series is

1 1 1
= R 2 − 2 
λ 2 n 
For first member, n = 3
1 1 1 1 1 
∴
= R  2 − 2  = 1.097 × 107 ×  − 
λ3 2 3  4 9
⇒ λ3 = 6.56 × 10–7 m

Q. 13. Obtain the first Bohr’s radius and the ground state energy of a muonic hydrogen atom, i.e., an
atom where the electron is replaced by a negatively charged muon (µ–) of mass about 207 me
that orbits around a proton.
(Given for hydrogen atom, radius of first orbit and ground state energy are 0.53 × 10–10 m and
– 13.6 eV respectively) [CBSE 2019 (55/5/1)]
Ans. In Bohr’s Model of hydrogen atom the radius of nth orbit is given by
n2 h2
rn = [for H-atom, Z = 1]
4r 2 e 2 m e
1
r1 \ m     ( a n = 1)
e
Similarly,
1
rµ \ m     
µ
rµ me 1
re = mµ = 207

1 0.53×10 –10
\
rn = re = = 2.56×10 –13 m
207 207
Energy of electron in nth orbit
Z2 me 4
En = –
8E0 h2 n2
En \ m     ( a n = 1)
Eµ mµ
∴
= m = 207
Ee e

Atoms 509
 ∴
Eµ = 207 Ee
= – 207 × 13.6 eV
= – 2.8 keV

Long Answer Questions [5 marks]

Q. 1. Draw a schematic arrangement of Geiger-Marsden experiment for studying a-particle scattering
by a thin foil of gold. Describe briefly, by drawing trajectories of the scattered a-particles. How
this study can be used to estimate the size of the nucleus? [CBSE Delhi 2010]
OR
Describe Geiger-Marsden experiment. What are its observations and conclusions?
Ans. At the suggestion of Rutherford, in 1911, H. Geiger, and E. Marsden performed an important
experiment called Geiger-Marsden experiment (or Rutherford’s scattering experiment). It
consists of
1. Source of a-particles: The radioactive source polonium emits high energetic alpha (a)
particles. Therefore, polonium is used as a source of a-particles. This source is placed in an
enclosure containing a hole and a few slits A1, A2, ..., etc., placed in front of the hole. This
arrangement provides a fine beam of a-particles.
2. Thin gold foil: It is a gold foil of thickness nearly 10–6 m, a-particles are scattered by this foil.
The foil taken is thin to avoid multiple scattering of a-particles, i.e., to ensure that a-particle
be deflected by a single collision with a gold atom.
3. Scintillation counter: By this the number of a-particles scattered in a given direction may
be counted. The entire apparatus is placed in a vacuum chamber to prevent any energy loss
of a-particles due to their collisions with air molecules.
Method: When a-particle beam falls on gold foil, the a-particles are scattered due to collision
with gold atoms. This scattering takes place in all possible directions. The number of a-particles
scattered in any direction is counted by scintillation counter.
Observations and Conclusions
(i) Most of a-particles pass through the gold foil undeflected. This implies that “most part of the
atom is hollow.”
(ii) a-particles are scattered through
all angles. Some a-particles (nearly
ZnS
1 in 2000), suffer scattering Screen
through angles more than 90°,
while a still smaller number (nearly
1 in 8000) retrace their path. This Incident
implies that when fast moving beam of
positively charged a-particles come α-particles
near gold-atom, then a few of them Nucleus

experience such a strong repulsive

Detector
force that they turn back. On this
basis Rutherford concluded that
whole of positive charge of atom is
concentrated in a small central
core, called the nucleus.
The distance of closest approach of a-particle gives the
estimate of nuclear size. If Ze is charge of nucleus, Ek–kinetic
energy of a particle, 2e–charge on a-particle, the size of
nucleus r0 is given by φ
2
1 (Ze) (2e) 1 2Ze
Ek = r0 & r0 =
4rf0 4rf0 Ek

510 Xam idea Physics–XII

 Calculations show that the size of nucleus is of the order of 10–14 m, while size of atom is of
10 –14 1
the order of 10–10m; therefore the size of nucleus is about = times the size of atom.
10 –10 10 , 000
(iii) The negative charges (electrons) do not influence the scattering process. This implies that
nearly whole mass of atom is concentrated in nucleus.
Q. 2. Using the postulates of Bohr's model of hydrogen atom, obtain an expression for the frequency of
radiation emitted when atom make a transition from the higher energy state with quantum number
ni to the lower energy state with quantum number nf (nf <ni). [CBSE (AI) 2013, (F) 2012, 2011]
OR
Using Bohr’s postulates, obtain the expression for the total energy of the electron in the
stationary states of the hydrogen atom. Hence draw the energy level diagram showing how the
line spectra corresponding to Balmer series occur due to transition between energy levels.
[CBSE Delhi 2013, Guwahati 2015]
OR
Using Rutherford model of the atom, derive the expression for the total energy of the
electron in hydrogen atom. What is the significance of total negative energy possessed by the
electron? [CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. Suppose m be the mass of an electron and v be its speed in nth orbit of radius r. The centripetal
force for revolution is produced by electrostatic attraction between electron and nucleus.
mv2 1 (Ze) (e)
r =
[from Rutherford model] …(i)
4rf0 r2
1 Ze2
or, mv2 =
4rf0 r
1
So, Kinetic energy [K] = mv2
2
1 Ze2
K=
4rf0 2r
1 (Ze) (–e) 1 Ze2
Potential energy = r = –
4rf0 4rf0 r

Total energy, E = KE + PE
1 Ze2 1 Ze2 1 Ze2
= + e– o = –
4rf0 2r 4rf0 r 4rf0 2r

For nth orbit, E can be written as En

1 Ze2
so, En = – ...(ii)
4rf0 2 rn
Negative sign indicates that the electron remains bound with the nucleus (or electron-nucleus
form an attractive system)
From Bohr's postulate for quantization of angular momentum
nh nh
mvr = & v=
2r 2r mr
Substituting this value of v in equation (i), we get

m nh 2 1 Ze2 f0 h2 n2
;
r 2rmr E = or r=
4rf0 r2 r mZe2
f0 h2 n2
or, rn = …(iii)
r mZe2

Atoms 511
 f0 h2
For Bohr’s radius, n = 1, i.e., for K shell rB =
rZme2
Substituting value of rn in equation (ii), we get
1 Ze2 mZ2 e 4
En = – =–
4rf0 f0 h2 n2 8f20 h2 n2
2f p
r mZe2
Z2 Rhc me 4
or, En = – , where R =
n2 8f20 ch3

R is called Rydberg constant.
–Rhc
For hydrogen atom Z=1, En =

n2
If ni and nf are the quantum numbers of initial and final states and Ei & Ef are energies of
electron in H-atom in initial and final state, we have
–Rhc –Rch
Ei = and E f = 2
n i2 nf

If ν is the frequency of emitted radiation, we get

Ei – E f
o=
h
–Rc –Rc 1 1
o = 2 – f 2 p & o = Rc > 2 – 2 H
ni nf n f ni

For Balmer series nf = 2, while ni = 3, 4, 5, ...∞.

Q. 3. Derive the expression for the magnetic field at the site of a point nucleus in a hydrogen atom
due to the circular motion of the electron. Assume that the atom is in its ground state and give
the answer in terms of fundamental constants. [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
Ans. To keep the electron in its orbit, the centripetal force on the electron must be equal to the
electrostatic force of attraction. Therefore,
mv2 1 e2
r = (For H atom, Z = 1) ...(i)
4rf0 r2

From Bohr’s quantisation condition
nh nh
mvr = & v=
2r 2r mr
For K shell, n=1
h
v= ...(ii)
2r mr
From (i) and (ii), we have

h 2 1 e2
r c 2rmr m = 4rf r2
m

0

m h2 1 e2
r 4r 2 m 2 r 2 = & rrme2 = f0 h2
4rf0 r2

f0 h2
r= ...(iii)
rme2

512 Xam idea Physics–XII

 From (ii) and (iii), we have
h # rme2 e2
v= =
2 rm f 0 h 2 2f 0 h
n0 I
Magnetic field at the centre of a circular loop B =
2r
Ch arg e 2rr
I= and Time = v
Time
ev
∴ I =
2rr
n0 ev n0 ev
So, B= = ...(iv)
2r # 2r r 4 rr 2
From (ii), (iii) (iv), we have
n0 e.e2 r2 m2 e 4 n0 e7 rm2
B= & B=
2f0 h # 4r # f20 h 4 8f03 h5

Self-Assessment Test
Time allowed: 1 hour Max. marks: 30
1. Choose and write the correct option in the following questions. (3 × 1 = 3)
(i) As per Bohr model, the minimum energy (in eV) required to remove an electron from the
ground state of doubly-ionised Li atom (Z = 3) is
(a) 1.51 (b) 13.6
(c) 40.8 (d) 122.4
(ii) The ratio of kinetic energy to the total energy of an electron in a Bohr orbit of the hydrogen
atom, is
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 1 : –1
(c) 2 : –1 (d) 1 : –2
(iii) The ratio of wavelengths of the last line of Balmer series and the last line of Lyman series is
(a) 1 (b) 4
(c) 0.5 (d) 2
2. Fill in the blanks. (2 × 1 = 2)
(i) The scattering angle will decreases with the __________________ in impact parameter.
(ii) When an electron jumps from an outer stationary orbit of energy E2 to an inner stationary
orbit of energy E1, the frequency of radiation emitted = __________________.
3. When electron in hydrogen atom jumps from energy state ni =4 to nf =3, 2, 1, identify the
spectral series to which the emission lines belong. 1
13.6
4. The energy of electron in nth orbit of H-atom is En = – eV. What is the energy required for
n2
transition from ground state to first excited state? 1
5. Define ionisation energy. What is its value for a hydrogen atom? 1
6. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is –13.6 eV. If an electron makes a transition from
an energy level – 0.85 eV to – 1.51 eV, calculate the wavelength of the spectral line emitted. To
which series of hydrogen spectrum does this wavelength belong? 2

Atoms 513
 7. Calculate the shortest wavelength of the spectral lines emitted in Balmer series. 2
7 –1
[Given Rydberg constant, R = 10 m ]
8. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is – 13.6 eV. If an electron makes a transition from
an energy level – 0.85 eV to –3.4 eV, calculate the wavelength of the spectral line emitted. To
which series of hydrogen spectrum does this wavelength belong? 2
9. Determine the value of the de Broglie wavelength associated with the electron orbiting in the
ground state of hydrogen atom (Given En = – (13.6/n2) eV and Bohr radius r0 = 0.53 Å). How
will the de Broglie wavelength change when it is in the first excited state? 2
10. A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to excite a gaseous hydrogen atom at room temperature.
Determine the wavelengths and the corresponding series of the lines emitted. 3
11. The spectrum of a star in the visible and the ultraviolet region was observed and the wavelength
of some of the lines that could be identified were found to be:
824 Å, 970 Å, 1120 Å, 2504 Å, 5173 Å, 6100 Å
Which of these lines cannot belong to hydrogen atom spectrum? (Given Rydberg constant
1
R = 1.03×107 m–1 and = 970 Å). Support your answer with suitable calculations. 3
R
12. Given the ground state energy E0 = –13.6 eV and Bohr radius a0 = 0.53 Å. Find out how the
de Broglie wavelength associated with the electron orbiting in the ground state would change
when it jumps into the first excited state. 3
13. (a) Using Bohr’s postulates, derive the expression for the total energy of the electron in the
stationary states of the hydrogen atom.
(b) Using Rydberg formula, calculate the wavelengths of the spectral lines of the first member

of the Lyman series and of the Balmer series. 5

Answers
1. (i) (d) (ii) (b) (iii) (b)
^ E2 – E1 h
2. (i) increase (ii) o =
h
4. 10.2 eV 7. 3.646 × 10–7 m

8. l = 4853 Å 10. 6.54 × 10–7 m

zzz

514 Xam idea Physics–XII