What is the value of n in the Balmer series for which the wavelength is 410.2 nm?
A)4
B)5
C)6
D)7
E)9

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Balmer series can be represented by the formula:

wavelength = (364.6 nm) x n^2 / (n^2 - 4), where n is an integer representing the energy level of the electron.

Plugging in the given wavelength of 410.2 nm, we can solve for n as follows:

410.2 nm = (364.6 nm) x n^2 / (n^2 - 4)
Simplifying and rearranging, we get: 
n^2 - 4 = (364.6 nm) x n^2 / 410.2 nm
n^2 - 4 = 0.888 x n^2
0.112 x n^2 = 4
n^2 = 35.71

Taking the square root of both sides, we get: 
n = 5.98

Since n must be an integer, the only valid choice is n = 6, which corresponds to option C.

What Is the Value of N in the Balmer Series