The shortest wavelength present in the Lyman series of spectral lines is: (Given Rydberg constant R = 1.097 x 107 m-1)
Correct Answer :
Solution :
The correct option is:
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 of the emitted spectral line is given by the Rydberg formula:
Here, R is the Rydberg constant, which is given as:
2. Finding the Condition for the Shortest Wavelength:
For the Lyman series, we substitute n1 = 1:
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 into the Rydberg formula:
Since , we have:
Therefore, the shortest wavelength is:
3. Calculating the Value:
Substituting the given value of R:
Thus, the shortest wavelength present in the Lyman series is approximately 9.1 × 10-8 m.
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