The Balmer series of hydrogen has a series limit (at 364.6 nm) because hydrogen in the n = 2 state:
A)is excited by photons of shorter wavelength.
B)is ionized by photons of shorter wavelength.
C)cannot absorb photons of longer wavelength.
D)cannot absorb photons of shorter wavelength.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Balmer series of hydrogen has a series limit because hydrogen in the n = 2 state is ionized by photons of shorter wavelength than 364.6 nm, meaning the energy of these photons is sufficient to completely remove the electron from the atom, rather than moving it to a higher energy level.

The Balmer Series of Hydrogen Has a Series Limit (At