Question

The short wavelength limit for the Lyman series of the hydrogen spectrum is $913.4\stackrel{o}{A}$. Calculate the short wavelength limit for Balmer series of the hydrogen spectrum.

Answer 1

Rydberg formula for wavelength for the hydrogen spectrum is given by

$\frac{1}{\lambda }=R[1/n_1^2-1/n_2^2]$

For short wavelength of Lyman series, $\frac{1}{913.4}=R[1/1^2-1/{\infty }^2]$

or $R=\left(1/913.4\right)A^{-1}$

For short limit of wavelength for Balmer series, $\frac{1}{{\lambda }_b}=R[1/2^2-1/{\infty }^2]$

or ${\lambda }_b=4/R=4\left(913.4\right)=3653.6A^o=365.36nm$