Textbook Question
According to the quantum-mechanical model for the hydrogen atom, which electron transition produces light with the longer wavelength: 3p → 2s or 4p → 3p?
9. Quantum Mechanics
Emission Spectrum
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Which lines in the hydrogen emission spectrum correspond to the transitions in the Balmer series?
A
X-ray region
B
Visible light region
C
Infrared region
D
Ultraviolet region
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the Balmer series refers to the set of spectral lines corresponding to electronic transitions in a hydrogen atom where the electron falls to the n=2 energy level from higher energy levels (n > 2).
Recall that the energy levels in a hydrogen atom are quantized, and the energy difference between these levels determines the wavelength of the emitted light.
Recognize that the Balmer series is unique because it is the only series of transitions in the hydrogen emission spectrum that falls within the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Identify that the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum ranges approximately from 400 nm to 700 nm in wavelength.
Conclude that the lines in the hydrogen emission spectrum corresponding to the Balmer series are those that fall within the visible light region, as these are the transitions where electrons drop to the n=2 level from higher levels, emitting visible light.
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