In the energy-level diagram, the line that corresponds to the longest wavelength in the Balmer series is
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 5

Question

In the energy-level diagram, the line that corresponds to the longest wavelength in the Balmer series is
A) 1 
B) 2 
C) 3 
D) 4 
E) 5

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the Balmer series, transitions are taking place to the n=2 energy level from higher energy levels. The longest wavelength transition occurs when the electron transitions from the n=∞ energy level to the n=2 energy level. This corresponds to the spectral line in the Balmer series with the lowest energy, which is in the far-infrared region. This transition is represented by the line shown originating from level 3 to level 2 in the diagram, so the correct answer is 3.

In the Energy-Level Diagram, the Line That Corresponds to the Longest