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When a high-voltage electric current is passed through hydrogen gas, light is produced - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 7
When a high-voltage electric current is passed through hydrogen gas, light is produced. If the light is passed through a spectrometer an emission spectrum is observe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:When a high-voltage electric current is passed through hydrogen gas, light is produced - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how the study of the emission spectrum of hydrogen, with its single electron, has been used to develop an understanding of its electron structure.
Answer
The emission spectrum of hydrogen provides crucial insights into its electron structure due to the unique nature of hydrogen having a single electron. When an electric current passes through hydrogen gas, the energy levels associated with this electron become excited. As the electron transitions between these energy levels, it emits light at specific wavelengths, resulting in distinct emission lines.
Each line in the emission spectrum corresponds to a particular transition, reflecting the energy difference between two levels. By analyzing these lines, scientists can deduce the existence of discrete energy levels, akin to shells or subshells, around the nucleus. The pattern and spacing of these lines define the structure of the electron shell model, illustrating how electrons are structured within an atom rather than being distributed evenly. Thus, the emission spectrum not only confirms the quantized nature of energy levels but also provides a framework for understanding atomic structure.
Step 2
Hydrogen has three isotopes: 1H, 2H, 3H. Would you expect the three isotopes to produce essentially the same atomic emission spectrum? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer
Yes, the three isotopes of hydrogen—1H, 2H, and 3H—would produce essentially the same atomic emission spectrum. This is because all isotopes of hydrogen share the same electron configuration and number of electrons. The emission spectrum primarily depends on the arrangement of electrons and the transitions between energy levels.
Although the isotopes differ in the number of neutrons, this does not affect the energy levels significantly for the electron transitions involved. Hence, while there could be very slight variations in the spectrum due to mass effects or other factors, the fundamental emission lines corresponding to electron transitions will largely remain the same across the isotopes.