The first line (lowest energy)in the Balmer series appears at 15,233 cm^-¹.The second line appears at

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formula for the wavelengths in the Balmer series is given by 1/λ = R (1/22 - 1/n^2), where R is the Rydberg constant (1.0974 x 10^7 m^-1), and n is the energy level (n=3 for the Balmer series). Converting this formula to wavenumbers (cm^-1), we get 1/λ = R (1/22 - 1/n^2) * 10^-2. Plugging in n=3, we get 1/λ = 109,678 cm^-1 - 15,233 cm^-1 = 94,445 cm^-1 for the second line in the Balmer series. The correct answer is therefore (C) 20,565 cm^-1 .

The First Line (Lowest Energy)in the Balmer Series Appears at 15,233