What is the principal quantum number (n) of the ground state of a hydrogen atom?
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A.
n = 1
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B.
n = 2
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C.
n = 3
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D.
n = 0
Correct Answer:
A. n = 1
Explanation:
The ground state of a hydrogen atom represents its lowest energy level, where the electron is in the orbit closest to the nucleus. In the Bohr model and quantum mechanical description, this state corresponds to the primary energy level represented by the principal quantum number n = 1. Higher values like n = 2 or n = 3 represent excited states, while n = 0 is not a mathematically or physically valid state for an electron in an atom. Since the electron naturally occupies the most stable, lowest-energy position, n = 1 is the correct value for the ground state.
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