Question on AAMC CBT 8 Item41

[rls303]

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Hi guys,
Okay so the question is asking about the color in the solution and what it was due to. It says that Nickel (II) has unfilled d orbitals. In the answer, it says that the electrons move to higher d orbitals by absorbing light (which I understand), but regarding the emitted light, isn't it when you go from a higher energy level to a lower energy level?

That whole E=nhf thing from physics is what im thinmking about?

I'd appreciate it if someone can clarify and help me out! 🙂

 

[crazyasian]

There are several theories as to why it happens. If you wiki crystal field theory thats one possible explanation. Just know that all d orbitals aren't all at the same energy level so when a wavelength of light is absorbed it jumps up to a higher energy d orbital in the same shell (for ex. a 4d orbital to a 4d orbital..not a 4d to a 5d) then it falls back down to the lower energy d orbital and emits energy. The wavelength of light absorbed corresponds to a specific color.

 

[ahamdi2]

Your logic is absolutely correct. just keep in mind that these d orbital electrons that get excited will have to fall back to there ground state, and its when they fall back to the ground state that the light is emitted