I keep getting “Hydrogen energy levels” questions wrong in Atoms. What's the trap?
thinking n = infinity is the most tightly bound state.
The usual trap: thinking n = infinity is the most tightly bound state. How to avoid it: n = 1 is deepest; n = infinity is ionised. Go back to the definition — Hydrogen bound-state energies are negative because zero is assigned to a free electron at infinity. Larger n means less negative energy and weaker binding.
Key point
Hydrogen energy levels
Common mistake
thinking n = infinity is the most tightly bound state.
Memory tip
n = 1 is deepest; n = infinity is ionised.
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