Chapter 36, Problem 1P

To determine

The spacing of adjacent energy levels increases or decreases with increase of $n$ .

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The diagram which is used to represent the arrangement of the orbital in order of increase of their energies is called energy level diagram. The energy level diagram helps to analyze the energies which an electron can accept of release in their transition from one state to other.

From the figure 35-4 of book “Physics for Scientists and Engineers” it can be found that as the value of $n$ increases, the spacing of the adjacent energy levels on the energy level diagram tends to decrease.

Thus, as $n$ increases, the spacing of adjacent energy levels decreases.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the spacing of adjacent energy levels decreases with increase of $n$ .