Hydrogen gas is heated to the point at which there are electrons at atomic energy levels up the n = 3 level.When electrons return to the ground state,what possible emission lines from which spectral sequences will result? (See Figure 3-51,Comins,Discovering the Essential Universe,6th ed.)
A) Paschen (IR), Balmer (visible), and Lyman (UV) series
B) Lyman (UV) series only
C) Balmer (visible) series only
D) Balmer (visible) and Lyman (UV) series

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an electron in hydrogen gas returns from the n = 3 level to the ground state, it can emit energy in the form of a photon with a specific wavelength. These photons will correspond to spectral lines in the hydrogen emission spectrum. The n = 3 level can emit photons that correspond to both the Balmer series (visible light) and the Lyman series (UV light), so both will be present in the emission spectrum. Thus, the correct answer is choice D.

Hydrogen Gas Is Heated to the Point at Which There