Question:

In hydrogen spectrum, the frequency of the spectral line corresponding to electron transition $n_2 = 3$ to $n_1 = 2$ is $x$ Hz. What is the frequency (in Hz) of the spectral line corresponding to electron transition $n_2 = 4$ to $n_1 = 3$ of $\text{He}^+$ spectrum?

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Always write out the ratio of frequencies $\frac{\nu_1}{\nu_2} = \frac{Z_1^2}{Z_2^2} \times \frac{(1/n_{1a}^2 - 1/n_{2a}^2)}{(1/n_{1b}^2 - 1/n_{2b}^2)}$ to directly eliminate constants.
This reduces algebraic calculations and avoids units errors.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • $\frac{5x}{7}$
  • $\frac{7x}{5}$
  • $\frac{20x}{7}$
  • $\frac{7x}{20}$
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This chemistry problem belongs to atomic structure.
We need to find the relationship between the frequency of a transition in a hydrogen atom and a transition in a helium ion ($\text{He}^+$).

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The frequency $\nu$ of the emitted radiation during an electronic transition in a hydrogen-like species is given by the Bohr-Rydberg equation:
\[ \nu = c R Z^2 \left( \frac{1}{n_1^2} - \frac{1}{n_2^2} \right) \] where $R$ is the Rydberg constant, $Z$ is the atomic number, $c$ is the speed of light, and $n_1, n_2$ are the principal quantum numbers of the lower and higher energy levels.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• For the hydrogen atom ($Z = 1$):
The transition is from $n_2 = 3$ to $n_1 = 2$.
The frequency is $x$ Hz:
\[ x = c R (1)^2 \left( \frac{1}{2^2} - \frac{1}{3^2} \right) \] \[ x = c R \left( \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{9} \right) = \frac{5}{36} c R \quad \text{--- (Equation 1)} \]

• For the Helium ion $\text{He}^+$ ($Z = 2$):
The transition is from $n_2 = 4$ to $n_1 = 3$.
Let the frequency of this transition be $\nu$:
\[ \nu = c R (2)^2 \left( \frac{1}{3^2} - \frac{1}{4^2} \right) \] \[ \nu = 4 c R \left( \frac{1}{9} - \frac{1}{16} \right) \] \[ \nu = 4 c R \left( \frac{16 - 9}{144} \right) \] \[ \nu = 4 c R \left( \frac{7}{144} \right) = \frac{7}{36} c R \quad \text{--- (Equation 2)} \]

• Dividing Equation 2 by Equation 1 to find the relation between $\nu$ and $x$:
\[ \frac{\nu}{x} = \frac{\frac{7}{36} c R}{\frac{5}{36} c R} = \frac{7}{5} \] \[ \nu = \frac{7x}{5} \]

Step 4: Final Answer:
The frequency of the transition for $\text{He}^+$ is $\frac{7x}{5}$.
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