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Question:

The short wavelength limit for the Lyman series of the hydrogen spectrum is 913.4oA. Calculate the short wavelength limit for Balmer series of the hydrogen spectrum.

Solution:

Rydberg formula for wavelength for the hydrogen spectrum is given by
1λ=R[1/n₁² - 1/n₂²]
For short wavelength of Lyman series,
1913.4=R[1/1² - 1/∞²]
or
R=(1/913.4)A⁻¹
For short limit of wavelength for Balmer series,
1λ=R[1/2² - 1/∞²]
or
λ=4/R=4(913.4)=3653.6Ao=365.36nm