Question

The short wavelength limit for the Lyman series of the hydrogen spectrum is 913.4 Å. Calculate the short wavelength limit for the Balmer series of the hydrogen spectrum.

Answer 1

Given short wavelength limit of the Lyman series

`1/λ_"L" = "R"(1/1^2 - 1/∞)`

`1/(913.4  Å) = "R"(1/1^2 - 1/∞)`

λ_L = `1/"R"` = 913.4 Å

For the short wavelength limit of Balmer series

n₁ = 2, n₂ = ∞

`1/λ_"B" = "R"(1/2^2 - 1/∞)`

λ_B = `4/"R"`

= 4 × 913.4 Å

= 3653.6 Å