Emission Spectrum Of Hydrogen
The transition responsible for the first line of the Balmer series in the hydrogen emission spectrum is:
Select the correct option:
Solution
n=3→n=2
The Balmer series arises from transitions where the electron falls to the second energy level (n = 2) from higher energy levels. The first line (Hα line) corresponds to the transition from n = 3 to n = 2, which is the lowest energy transition in this series. Subsequent lines come from n = 4 → 2 (Hβ), n = 5 → 2 (Hγ), and so on. The transition n = 2 → 1 belongs to the Lyman series (UV region), while n = 3 → 1 is the second line of the Lyman series. The Balmer series is the only hydrogen spectral series with lines in the visible region.
🔒 Solution Hidden from View
Submit your answer to unlock the detailed step-by-step solution.
About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- atomic structure
- Topic
- emission spectrum of hydrogen
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
n=3→n=2
The Balmer series arises from transitions where the electron falls to the second energy level (n = 2) from higher energy levels. The first line (Hα line) corresponds to the transition from n = 3 to n = 2, which is the lowest energy transition in this series. Subsequent lines come from n = 4 → 2 (Hβ), n = 5 → 2 (Hγ), and so on. The transition n = 2 → 1 belongs to the Lyman series (UV region), while n = 3 → 1 is the second line of the Lyman series. The Balmer series is the only hydrogen spectral series with lines in the visible region.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter atomic structure, covering the topic of emission spectrum of hydrogen. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
Looking for more practice? Explore all chemistry questions or browse atomic structure questions on RankGuru.