Suppose, the electron in a hydrogen atom makes transition from n = 3 to n = 2 in 10−8 s. The order of the torque acting on the electron in this period, using the relation between torque and angular momentum as discussed in the chapter on rotational mechanics is

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10−42 N-m The angular momentum of the electron for the nth state is given by L_n = (nh)/(2pi) Angular momentum of the electron for n = 3, n = 3 , L_i = (3h)/(2pi) Angular momentum of the electron for n = 2, L_f= (2h)/(2pi) The torque is the time rate of change of the angular momentum. Torque tau = (L_f - L_i)/t = ((2h//2pi)-(3h//2pi))/10^-8 = -(h//2pi)/((10^-8) = `(-10^-34)/10^-8 ..............[$\therefore$ h/(2pi) ≈ 10^-34 J -s ]` = -10-42 N - m The magnitude of the torque is 10^-42 N.m

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