How many wavelengths are emitted by atomic hydrogen in visible range (380 nm – 780 nm)? In the range 50 nm to 100 nm?
We know from Rydberg's Equation, the wavelength λ of emission spectrum when electrons move from n₂ energy level to n₁ energy level is given by,
For Hydrogen atom, Z=1.
The wavelength range 380-780 nm lies in the Balmer Series.
Thus, n₁=2 for Balmer Series.
Substituting n₂=3, we get λ=656.3 nm
Substituting n₂=7, we get λ=397.0 nm
Thus, we get 5 wavelengths: n=3 to n=2; n=4 to n=2; n=5 to n=2; n=6 to n=2 and n=7 to n=2.
For other values of n₂, the range of 380-780nm is not possible.
The wavelength range 50-100 nm, within n=7 to n=2, lies in the Lyman Series.
Thus, n₁=1 for Lyman Series.
Substituting n₂=4, we get λ=97.3 nm
Substituting n₂=6, we get λ=93.8 nm
Thus, we get 3 wavelengths: n=4 to n=1; n=5 to n=1 and n=6 to n=1.
For other values of n₂ (within n=7 to n=2), the range of 50-100 nm is not possible.