Question

The wavelengths of the lines emitted in the Lyman series of the spectrum of hydrogen atom correspond to transitions between energy levels with total quantum numbers :

• A. $n=3$ to $n=1$
• B. $n=3$ to $n=2$
• C. $n=4$ to $n=1$
• D. $n=4$ to $n=2$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The correct options are
A $n=3$ to $n=1$
C $n=4$ to $n=1$

Wavelength of the lines emitted lie in the Lyman series if the transition of electron takes place from higher energy levels $n>1$ to ground state energy level $n=1$.
So, when transition of electron take place either from $n=3$ to $n=1$ or $n=4$ to $n=1$, then wavelengths of lines so emitted lie in Lyman series.
Whereas transitions either from $n=3$ to $n=2$ or $n=4$ to $n=2$ correspond to Balmer series.