Related Formula
The wavelength λ$\lambda$ for a transition in a hydrogen atom is given by the Rydberg formula:
(1)/(λ) = R ( (1)/(n₁²) - (1)/(n₂²) )$$\frac{1}{\lambda} = R \left( \frac{1}{n_1^2} - \frac{1}{n_2^2} \right)$$
To find the largest wavelength (minimum energy transition), select the adjacent higher shell n₂ = n₁ + 1$n_2 = n_1 + 1$.
Core Logic
- Lyman Series largest wavelength (λL$\lambda_L$): Transition from n = 2 → 1$n = 2 \to 1$
(1)/(λL) = R ( (1)/(1²) - (1)/(2²) ) = (3R)/(4) λL = (4)/(3R)$$\frac{1}{\lambda_L} = R \left( \frac{1}{1^2} - \frac{1}{2^2} \right) = \frac{3R}{4} \implies \lambda_L = \frac{4}{3R}$$
- Balmer Series largest wavelength (λB$\lambda_B$): Transition from n = 3 → 2$n = 3 \to 2$
(1)/(λB) = R ( (1)/(2²) - (1)/(3²) ) = R ( (1)/(4) - (1)/(9) ) = (5R)/(36) λB = (36)/(5R)$$\frac{1}{\lambda_B} = R \left( \frac{1}{2^2} - \frac{1}{3^2} \right) = R \left( \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{9} \right) = \frac{5R}{36} \implies \lambda_B = \frac{36}{5R}$$
Step 1: Ratio Calculation
Now, compute the ratio of the wavelengths:
(λL)/(λB) = ((4)/(3R))/((36)/(5R)) = (4)/(3) × (5)/(36) = (5)/(27)$$\frac{\lambda_L}{\lambda_B} = \frac{\frac{4}{3R}}{\frac{36}{5R}} = \frac{4}{3} \times \frac{5}{36} = \frac{5}{27}$$Pattern Recognition
Sees: Ratio of largest wavelengths of series. Shortcut: The largest wavelength in a series starting at ground level
$
Pattern Recognition
Sees: Ratio of largest wavelengths of series.
Shortcut: The largest wavelength in a series starting at ground level $
n_1
is$ is $\lambda \propto \frac{n_1^2 (n_1+1)^2}{2n_1 + 1}
. For Lyman ($.
For Lyman ($n_1=1
):$): $\lambda_L \propto \frac{4}{3}
. For Balmer ($.
For Balmer ($n_1=2
):$): $\lambda_B \propto \frac{36}{5}
. Ratio:$.
Ratio: $\frac{4/3}{36/5} = \frac{5}{27}$.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Atoms