An electron is in the n = 3 energy level in a hydrogen atom. What can be said about the spectral series in which it can participate by making a single atomic transition?
A) If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Lyman series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Balmer series.
B) If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Lyman series or the Paschen series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Balmer series.
C) If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Balmer series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Paschen series.
D) If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Paschen series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Lyman series or the Balmer series.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an electron in a hydrogen atom is in the n = 3 level, it can move to a higher energy level (n > 3) by gaining energy, which would result in emission lines in the Paschen series (transitions to n = 3 from higher levels). If it loses energy, it can drop to n = 2 (Balmer series) or n = 1 (Lyman series), depending on the final energy level.

An Electron Is in the N = 3 Energy Level