Two H atoms in the ground state collide in elastically. The maximum amount by which their combined kinetic energy is reduced is

Options

A. 10.20 eV
B. 20.40eV
C. 13.6eV
D. 27.2 eV

Answer

A

Explanation

The total energy associated with the two H-atoms in the ground state collide in elastically `=2 xx(13.6 eV0= 27.2eV`
The maximum amount by which their combined kinetic energy is reduced when any one of them goes into first excited state after the inelastic collision. The total energy associated with the two H-atoms after the collision
`= ((13.6)/(2^(2))) + (13.6)= 17.0eV`
Therefore, maximum loss of their combined kinetic energy
`= 27.2- 17.0= 10.2 eV`