Lyman vs Balmer

[Victoria Luu - 1C]

I was wondering what is the key difference between the Lyman and Balmer series. Also, in what situations would you use them?

[804991762_4A]

The key difference between the Balmer and Lyman series is that the Lyman series is in the UV region, which is not visible and so starts at H ground state so n1=1 and from n2=2,3….
The Balmer series starts from an already excited H atom hence n1=2 and n2=3,4…. and is visible.

[Karina Koo 2H]

All that they are referring to is a series of wavelengths discovered that are able to be absorbed (and emitted) by a hydrogen atom. Lyman discovered a series of wavelengths that can be absorbed by a hydrogen atom in the UV light range, hence these series of wavelengths are called the Lyman series while Balman is a guy that discovered a series of wavelengths that can be absorbed by a hydrogen atom in the visible light range, hence these series of wavelengths are called the Balman series. You would refer to them depending on which section of the spectrum of light you're working with.

[Kevin ODonnell 2B]

This video does a pretty good job of explaining it and is nice since it includes animations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQJx6JAq_po

[Sydney Stump]

They are important for situation in which electrons change energy levels. For the atomic hydrogen spectrum we are using the rydberg formula in order to determine the wavelength of the lines in the spectrum.

[Jasmine Chow 1F]

the Lyman series releases electrons to the n=1 level and is often associated with UV rays, while the Balmer series will release electrons to the n=2 energy level and is often associated with visible light.

[Layla Manoochehri]

should we focus on knowing how to use the equation or just being able to identify the series based on what we're given?