Question

An electron makes a transition from an excited state to the ground state of a hydrogen-like atom. Then

• A. kinetic energy decreases, potential energy increases but total energy remains the same
• B. kinetic energy and total energy decrease but potential energy increases
• C. its kinetic energy increases but potential energy and total energy decrease
• D. kinetic energy, potential energy and total energy decrease

Hint:

In hydrogen-like atoms, the total energy decreases as the electron moves to a lower energy state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the transition in a hydrogen-like atom.
When an electron transitions from a higher energy state to a lower one, both its kinetic energy and potential energy decrease. As the electron moves to a lower energy level, the total energy also decreases.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, all the energy components (kinetic, potential, and total energy) decrease.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{kinetic energy, potential energy and total energy decrease}} \]