Question

The total energy of an electron in the second excited state of the hydrogen atom is -1.51 eV. The kinetic and potential energies of the electron in this state are respectively

• A. 1.51 eV, -3.02 eV
• B. -1.51 eV, 3.02 eV
• C. 3.02 eV, -1.51 eV
• D. -3.02 eV, 1.51 eV

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

1.51 eV, -3.02 eV

Answer 2

In the second excited state, Total energy, $E = -1.51\, eV$ Kinetic energy, $K = -E = -(-1.51 eV) = 1.51 \,eV$ Potential energy, $U = 2E = 2(-1.51 eV) = -3.02 \,eV$