Which, of the following is true of the Balmer series of the hydrogen spectrum? a. The series is in the visible region. b. The entire series falls in the ultraviolet region c. The entire series falls in the infrared region d. The series is partly in the visible region and partly in the infrared region

Step-by-step solution

The wavelength of spectral lines in the hydrogen spectrum is given by the Rydberg formula: 1 = R ( 1 n₁^2 - 1 n₂^2 ) , where R is the Rydberg constant, n₁ is the lower energy level, and n₂ is the higher energy level. For the Balmer series, n₁ = 2 and n₂ = 3, 4, 5, . The transitions for the Balmer series are as follows: For n₂ = 3 , = 656.3 nm (red light). For n₂ = 4 , = 486.1 nm (blue-green light). For n₂ = 5 , = 434.0 nm (violet light). For n₂ = 6 , = 410.2 nm (violet light). As n₂ , the series limit is = 364.6 nm