Balmer and Lyman Series
Moderators: Chem_Mod, Chem_Admin
-
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:41 pm
Balmer and Lyman Series
On sapling they said that the Balmer series involves visible light and occurs when H atoms go from an excited state to n = 2, and the Lyman series involves UV light and occurs when H atoms go from excited to n = 1. Is this a good way to distinguish the two series, or should I use the actual wavelength numbers?
-
- Posts: 110
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:58 pm
Re: Balmer and Lyman Series
I just remember that Lyman is n=1 and is typically around 90-120 nm and Balmer is n=2 and typically around like 450-600nm. As long as you know these it won't be hard to discern when to use this.
-
- Posts: 108
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:37 pm
Re: Balmer and Lyman Series
It could be useful to know the actual wavelength numbers, but from what Dr. Lavelle has taught and tested us on so far, it seems like he just wants to to distinguish them based on their energy levels! So I wouldn't worry too much about memorizing the actual numbers
Re: Balmer and Lyman Series
I think normally you could calculate the frequency or wavelength based on what the problem gives you so it probably isn't necessary to memorize them!
-
- Posts: 138
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:50 pm
- Been upvoted: 1 time
Re: Balmer and Lyman Series
Knowing the ranges is fairly important, but usually the jump from principle quantum number is noted in the problem.
-
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:40 pm
Re: Balmer and Lyman Series
I remember that Lyman is around 100nm while Balmer is around 400-600nm, but knowing the energy levels is important for equations.
-
- Posts: 149
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:54 pm
Re: Balmer and Lyman Series
Well, the actual wavelength number will depend on the n value, so yes, the n value determines which series you use.
Return to “Bohr Frequency Condition, H-Atom , Atomic Spectroscopy”
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests