Calculate the longest-wavelength line in the Balmer series for hydrogen.
A) 182 nm
B) 657 nm
C) 536 nm
D) 122 nm
E) 486 nm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The longest-wavelength line in the Balmer series for hydrogen is the transition from n = 3 to n = 2, which corresponds to the Balmer series limit. Using the Balmer formula (1/λ = R_H(1/2^2 - 1/3^2)), we can solve for the wavelength: 
1/λ = R_H(1/2^2 - 1/3^2) 
1/λ = (109677.57 cm^-1)(1/4 - 1/9) 
1/λ = (109677.57 cm^-1)(5/36) 
λ = 656.3 nm 
Therefore, the answer is B.

Calculate the Longest-Wavelength Line in the Balmer Series for Hydrogen