Question Details

The shortest wavelength present in the Lyman series of spectral lines is: (Given Rydberg constant R = 1.097 x 107 m-1)

Options

A

9.1 × 10 8 m

B

  1.2 × 10 7 m

C

    8.2 × 10 7 m

D

  9.1 × 10 8 m

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

9.1 × 10 8 m

Solution :

The correct option is:
9.1 × 10 - 8 m

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding the Lyman Series:
The Lyman series corresponds to spectral lines emitted when an electron in a hydrogen atom undergoes a transition from an outer orbit (where the principal quantum number n2 = 2, 3, 4, ...) to the innermost orbit (where the principal quantum number n1 = 1).

The wavelength λ of the emitted spectral line is given by the Rydberg formula:
1 λ = R 1 n 1 2 - 1 n 2 2
Here, R is the Rydberg constant, which is given as:
R = 1.097 × 10 7 m - 1

2. Finding the Condition for the Shortest Wavelength:
For the Lyman series, we substitute n1 = 1:
1 λ = R 1 - 1 n 2 2
The shortest wavelength (also called the series limit) corresponds to the maximum energy transition, which occurs when the electron transitions from an orbit at infinity (n2 = ∞) to the ground state (n1 = 1).

Substituting n2= into the Rydberg formula:
1 λ min = R 1 - 1 2
Since 12=0, we have:
1 λ min = R
Therefore, the shortest wavelength is:
λ min = 1 R

3. Calculating the Value:
Substituting the given value of R:
λ min = 1 1.097 × 10 7 m
λ min 0.9116 × 10 - 7 m
λ min 9.1 × 10 - 8 m

Thus, the shortest wavelength present in the Lyman series is approximately 9.1 × 10-8 m.

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