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As an electron makes a transition from an excited state to the ground state of a hydrogen-like atom from: (1) its kinetic energy increases but potential energy and total energy decrease (2) kinetic energy, potential energy and total energy decrease (3) kinetic energy decreases, potential energy increases but total energy remains same (4) kinetic energy and total energy decrease but potential energy increases

1. its kinetic energy increases but potential energy and total energy decrease
2. kinetic energy, potential energy and total energy decrease
3. kinetic energy decreases, potential energy increases but total energy remains same
4. kinetic energy and total energy decrease but potential energy increases

Correct answer: its kinetic energy increases but potential energy and total energy decrease

Solution

When an electron transitions from an excited state to the ground state, it releases energy, which results in a decrease in total energy. As it moves closer to the nucleus, its potential energy becomes more negative (increases in magnitude), while its kinetic energy increases due to the conservation of energy.

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