Which metal ion produces the light with the highest energy?
a. Na+
b. Ca+
c. K+
d. Ba2+
Actually the question is quite broad; there are no indications of the kind of excitation sources used. Assuming we are talking about using flame emission, I think Na^+, K^+, and Ba^2+ leads to closed shells (noble gas structure)and that makes me think Ca^+ is the only one with an electron that could be moved easily to an outer shell.
To determine which metal ion produces the light with the highest energy, we need to consider the relationship between energy and the electronic structure of metal ions.
The energy of the light emitted by a metal ion is directly related to the difference in energy between different electronic energy levels or orbitals. Generally, ions with higher charges have greater energy differences between their energy levels.
Among the given options, the ions with higher charges are Ca+ (charge +1) and Ba2+ (charge +2).
Comparing the charges, we can conclude that Ba2+ has a higher charge than Ca+.
Therefore, the metal ion that produces light with the highest energy is d. Ba2+.
To determine which metal ion produces the light with the highest energy, we need to consider the concept of electron configuration and atomic structure.
The energy of light emitted by an atom is related to the difference in energy between two electron energy levels involved in the transition. Specifically, the energy of light is proportional to the frequency, and inversely proportional to the wavelength. High-energy light corresponds to short-wavelength light, which indicates a larger energy difference between the electron energy levels involved.
In general, the energy difference between electron energy levels increases as the atomic number increases. Therefore, we can make a prediction based on the position of the metal ions in the periodic table.
Na+ has an atomic number of 11, Ca+ has an atomic number of 20, K+ has an atomic number of 19, and Ba2+ has an atomic number of 56.
As we move down a group in the periodic table, the energy difference between the energy levels tends to increase due to the increase in the number of electrons and the increase in the effective nuclear charge. Thus, based on their atomic numbers, we can deduce that Ba2+ has the highest energy, followed by Ca+, then K+, and Na+.
Therefore, the metal ion that produces the light with the highest energy would be d. Ba2+.