Among the following transitions, which one results in the minimum wavelength?

Step-by-step solution

The energy of a photon emitted during a transition from n₂ to n₁ is given by Rydberg's formula: E = 13.6 Z^2 ( 1 n₁^2 - 1 n₂^2 ) eV The wavelength of the emitted photon is inversely proportional to the energy difference, since E = hc . Thus, the minimum wavelength corresponds to the maximum energy difference. Calculating the proportional energy difference for each given transition: For n = 5 to n = 4 : E 1 4^2 - 1 5^2 = 9 400 = 0.0225 For n = 4 to n = 3 : E 1 3^2 - 1 4^2 = 7 144 0.0486 For n = 3 to n = 2 : E 1 2^2