The first line (lowest energy) in the Balmer series appears at 15,233 cm^-1.The second line appears at A) 109,678 cm^-1 B) 45,699 cm^-1 C) 20,565 cm^-1 D) 30,466 cm^-1 E) 20,311 cm^-1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Balmer series in hydrogen corresponds to transitions from higher energy levels to the n=2 level. The wavelengths (or wavenumbers in cm^-1) of these transitions can be calculated using the Rydberg formula. The first line (n=3 to n=2) is given as 15,233 cm^-1. The second line in the series corresponds to the transition from n=4 to n=2, which is known to have a different wavenumber. Among the provided options, 20,565 cm^-1 is the correct value for the second line in the Balmer series, as it fits the expected pattern of decreasing energy (or increasing wavelength) for transitions to the n=2 level from higher levels.

The First Line (Lowest Energy) in the Balmer Series Appears