Homework #10

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The electron in a hydrogen atom is excited to the n=7 shell and emits electromagnetic radiation when returning to lower energy levels. Determine the number of spectral lines that could appear when this electron returns to the lower energy levels, as well as the wavelength range in nanometers.

I know that there are 6 spectral lines since 7 can transition into the ones below it. But when calculating to find the lower energy levels why would we use n=7 and n=6? when finding the highest is n=1 and n=7?

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The reason why you utilize n=6 and n=7 is because you are attempting to find the amount of energy lost per step of the transition. You are thinking big picture right now, you need to narrow down your focus and target only a single step at a time.