What is the shortest possible wavelength in the Lyman series for atomic hydrogen?
A)91.3 nm
B)104 nm
C)122 nm
D)364 nm
E)820 nm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Lyman series for atomic hydrogen can be described by the following formula:

1/λ = R*(1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2)

where λ is the wavelength of the emitted photon, R is the Rydberg constant, and n1 and n2 are integers representing the energy levels of the electron before and after the transition.

The shortest possible wavelength in the Lyman series occurs when n1 = 1 and n2 = 2 (i.e., the transition from the first energy level to the second energy level). Plugging these values into the formula gives:

1/λ = R*(1/1^2 - 1/2^2)

Simplifying, we get:

1/λ = R*(3/4)

Solving for λ, we get:

λ = 4/(3R)

Substituting in the value for the Rydberg constant (R = 1.097 x 10^7 m^-1), we get:

λ = 91.3 nm

Therefore, the shortest possible wavelength in the Lyman series for atomic hydrogen is 91.3 nm. The correct answer is A).

What Is the Shortest Possible Wavelength in the Lyman Series