atomic spectra

Question

The wavelength of the first line of Balmer series in hydrogen spectrum is 656 nm. This transition is from n = 3 to:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Definitions**: The **Balmer series** consists of all transitions where the final orbit $n_f = 2$.
2. **Identify the Line**: The 'first line' (longest wavelength, lowest frequency) corresponds to the transition from the next higher orbit, which is $n_i = 3$.
3. **Transition Details**:
   - $n = 3 	o n = 2$.
4. **Context**: This specific line is known as the **$H_\alpha$** line and appears in the red visible spectrum.
5. **Verification**: Other series end at $n=1$ (Lyman) or $n=3$ (Paschen).

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atomic spectra

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