Related Formula
(1)/(λ) = R ( (1)/(n₁²) - (1)/(n₂²) )$$\frac{1}{\lambda} = R \left( \frac{1}{n_1^2} - \frac{1}{n_2^2} \right)$$
Core Logic
For smallest wavelength of Lyman series (n₁ = 1, n₂ = ∞$n_1 = 1, n_2 = \infty$):
1λL, min = R ((1)/(1²) - 0) R = (1)/(91) ~nm⁻¹$$\frac{1}{\lambda_{L, \text{min}}} = R \left(\frac{1}{1^2} - 0\right) \implies R = \frac{1}{91} \mathrm{~nm}^{-1}$$
For largest wavelength of Balmer series (n₁ = 2, n₂ = 3$n_1 = 2, n_2 = 3$):
1λB = R ((1)/(4) - (1)/(9)) = (1)/(91) × (5)/(36) λB = (91 × 36)/(5) = 655.2 ~nm$$\frac{1}{\lambda_{B}} = R \left(\frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{9}\right) = \frac{1}{91} \times \frac{5}{36} \implies \lambda_B = \frac{91 \times 36}{5} = 655.2 \mathrm{~nm}$$
For largest wavelength of Paschen series (n₁ = 3, n₂ = 4$n_1 = 3, n_2 = 4$):
1λP = R ((1)/(9) - (1)/(16)) = (1)/(91) × (7)/(144) λP = (91 × 144)/(7) = 1872 ~nm$$\frac{1}{\lambda_{P}} = R \left(\frac{1}{9} - \frac{1}{16}\right) = \frac{1}{91} \times \frac{7}{144} \implies \lambda_P = \frac{91 \times 144}{7} = 1872 \mathrm{~nm}$$
Difference in wavelengths:
Δ λ = λP - λB = 1872 - 655.2 = 1216.8 ~nm ≈ 1217 ~nm$$\Delta \lambda = \lambda_P - \lambda_B = 1872 - 655.2 = 1216.8 \mathrm{~nm} \approx 1217 \mathrm{~nm}$$
Step 1: Final Conclusion
The wavelength difference is approximately 1217 ~nm$1217 \mathrm{~nm}$.
Pattern Recognition
Spectral lines: Smallest wavelength arrow n₂ = ∞$\rightarrow n_2 = \infty$. Largest wavelength arrow n₂ = n₁ + 1$\rightarrow n_2 = n_1 + 1$.
Rydberg constant R = 1/λL,min$R = 1/\lambda_{L,\text{min}}$. Substitute values into Balmer (2arrow 3$2\rightarrow 3$) and Paschen (3arrow 4$3\rightarrow 4$) equations.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Atoms