Physics · Bohr model, energy levels, hydrogen spectrum

The wavelength of a certain electron transition in the hydrogen spectrum is 4864

The wavelength of a certain electron transition in the hydrogen spectrum is 4864 A. Identify the transition.

  • A. Third line Balmer
  • B. First line Lyman
  • C. First line Paschen
  • D. second line Balmer

Step-by-step solution

The hydrogen spectrum's Balmer series lies in the visible region. The second line (Hβ) corresponds to the transition from n=4 to n=2 and has a wavelength of about 4861 Å, very close to the given 4864 Å. Lyman series lines are in the UV, and Paschen series lines are in the infrared, so only the Balmer second line matches.
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