In a spectroscopic investigation, hydrogen atoms in the ground state (n=1) are excited by absorbing radiation until their electrons reach the n=4 energy level. Based on the postulates of the Bohr atomic model, which of the following statements correctly describes the de-excitation process of these excited hydrogen atoms?
- A) The atom can return to the ground state directly or via intermediate levels, releasing photons whose discrete energies correspond to the differences between the stationary energy levels.
- B) The electron gradually spirals toward the nucleus while continuously emitting radiation across a smooth, unbroken spectrum of wavelengths.
- C) The photon emitted during the direct transition from n=4 to n=1 has a longer wavelength and lower energy than a photon emitted from n=4 to n=3.
- D) The excited electron can occupy any non-integer orbital radius between n=4 and n=1 during its transition, yielding a continuous absorption spectrum.
