The strong ultraviolet spectral line emitted by hot hydrogen gas is known as the _____ line.
A) 21-cm
B) Balmer α
C) Lyman α
D) Paschen α

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Lyman α line is a strong ultraviolet spectral line emitted by hot hydrogen gas in the Lyman series, which includes all transitions down to the ground state. The 21-cm line is a spectral line emitted by neutral hydrogen, while Balmer α and Paschen α are both spectral lines in the visible portion of the spectrum emitted by hydrogen gas.

The Strong Ultraviolet Spectral Line Emitted by Hot Hydrogen Gas