The wavelength of the visible line in the hydrogen spectrum that corresponds to m = 4 in the Balmer equation is
A)656 nm
B)486 nm
C)434 nm
D)410 nm
E)None of these is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Balmer equation is given by:

1/λ = R(1/2² - 1/m²)

Where λ is the wavelength of the spectral line, R is the Rydberg constant (1.097 x 10^7 m^-1), and m is an integer such that m > 2.

We are given that m = 4, so:

1/λ = R(1/2² - 1/4²) = R(3/16)

Solving for λ:

λ = 486 nm (rounded to three significant figures)

Therefore, the answer is B) 486 nm.

The Wavelength of the Visible Line in the Hydrogen Spectrum