If the electron in a hydrogen atom moves from ground state orbit to 5th orbit, then the potential energy of the system

Options

A. Become zero
B. Is decreased
C. In increased
D. Remained unchanged

Answer

C

Explanation

For an electron in the hydrogen atom in any orbit
Potential energy `= - (1)/(4piepsi_0) (e^2)/(r_n) " but " r_n prop n^2`
`therefore` For ground state n = 1
`therefore P.E. = - (1)/(4piepsi_0) (e^2)/(r_5) = -(1)/(4piepsi_0) (e^2)/(25r_1)`
`[therefore r_5/r_1 = 5^2/1^2 = 25]`
Thus the P.E. is considerably decreased in magnitude but because of -ve sign, its P.E. increased .