Lymann and Balmer Series

[306092134 14B 3E]

I know for Ryberg's equation there are the Lymann and Balmer series, with Lymann series (n = 1,2,3 and wavelength from 90-120 nm) and Balmer series (n= 2,3,4 and wavelength 360-650 nm). If you're asked to determine the initial n and ending n of a certain line, what do you do if you are given a certain wavelength that is not within the Lymann or Balmer ranges?

[Arianna Zhou 1D]

Hi, I don't think we'll have to worry about being presented with wavelengths that we cannot use the Lymann or Balmer series on. My discussion session TA mentioned that hydrogen can emit wavelengths longer than visible light, such as wavelengths in the infrared region, so these values definitely exist but we won't have to worry about those cases in this class. Just know Lymann and Balmer series and you're good! This is similar to how we only have to know how to apply equations like E = -hR/n^2 to hydrogen, and not of any cases involving other elements.

[Azlyn Hernandez 2E]

My TA said we should know that Balmer relates to visible light and typically results in a drop to energy level 2, and Lyman relates to UV light and the change in energy level will result in a n final of energy level 1.