Upon electrification, hydrogen produces a line spectrum with the following lines in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. If the light emitted corresponds to transitions from the third (n = 3), fourth (n = 4), fifth (n = 5), or sixth (n = 6)energy level down to the second (n = 2), which transition corresponds to the emission of light with highest frequency?
A)n = 2 → n = 3
B)n = 2 → n = 6
C)n = 3 → n = 2
D)n = 4 → n = 2
E)n = 6 → n = 2

Question

Upon electrification, hydrogen produces a line spectrum with the following lines in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. If the light emitted corresponds to transitions from the third (n = 3), fourth (n = 4), fifth (n = 5), or sixth (n = 6)energy level down to the second (n = 2), which transition corresponds to the emission of light with highest frequency? 
A)n = 2 → n = 3 
B)n = 2 → n = 6 
C)n = 3 → n = 2 
D)n = 4 → n = 2 
E)n = 6 → n = 2

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of light is directly proportional to the difference in energy between the initial and final energy levels. As we move further away from the nucleus, the energy levels become closer together. Therefore, the highest frequency will correspond to the transition from the sixth energy level (n = 6) down to the second energy level (n = 2), which has the largest energy difference.

Upon Electrification, Hydrogen Produces a Line Spectrum with the Following