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Both the nucleus and the atom of some element are in their respective first excited states. They get de-excited by emitting photons of wavelengths λ_N, λ_A respectively. The ratio λ_N/λ_A is closest to -

1. 10⁻⁶
2. 10
3. 10⁻¹
4. 10⁻¹⁰

Correct answer: 10⁻⁶

Solution

The nucleus typically has much higher energy levels compared to the atomic energy levels, leading to the emission of photons with significantly shorter wavelengths during de-excitation. This results in a ratio of wavelengths, λ_N/λ_A, that is very small, approximately 10⁻⁶.

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