Passage II
In an atom, an electron exists in one of several quantum states (configurations). Each quantum state can be specified by a set of numbers. Two of these numbers are called n and j. In addition, each quantum state is associated with a type of orbital (a region surrounding the nucleus).
The figure shows, for n ≤ 4 in a hydrogen atom, every possible combination of n and j for which a quantum state exists. The figure also shows, for each state, the energy—which is determined by the values of n and j—and the orbital type: s, p, d, or f.
11. Based on the figure, compared with the energy of any of the n = 2 states, the energy of the n = 1 state is approximately:
Your Answer is
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When n=2, the energy is about -3.4, and when n=1 is about -13.6, so when n=1 is 10 smaller than when n=2, choose D