Question:

The shortest wavelength in the Paschen series of the Hydrogen spectrum is
\[ \text{Rydberg constant of hydrogen }=1.097\times 10^7\ \text{m}^{-1} \]

Show Hint

For the shortest wavelength in any hydrogen spectral series, use the series limit: \[ n_2\to \infty \] For Paschen series: \[ n_1=3 \] Always substitute the lower energy level correctly.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2026
  • \(91.2\ \text{nm}\)
  • \(364.6\ \text{nm}\)
  • \(820.4\ \text{nm}\)
  • \(2278.9\ \text{nm}\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Use the Rydberg formula for Hydrogen spectrum.
The wavelength of spectral lines in hydrogen is given by \[ \frac{1}{\lambda} = R\left( \frac{1}{n_1^2}-\frac{1}{n_2^2} \right) \] where \[ R=1.097\times 10^7\ \text{m}^{-1} \] For the Paschen series, \[ n_1=3 \] The shortest wavelength corresponds to the series limit: \[ n_2\to \infty \]

Step 2: Apply the series limit condition.
Since \[ \frac{1}{\infty^2}=0, \] the formula becomes \[ \frac{1}{\lambda_{\min}} = R\left(\frac{1}{3^2}\right) \] \[ \frac{1}{\lambda_{\min}} = \frac{R}{9} \] Thus, \[ \lambda_{\min}=\frac{9}{R} \]

Step 3: Substitute the value of Rydberg constant.
\[ \lambda_{\min} = \frac{9}{1.097\times 10^7} \] \[ \lambda_{\min} = 8.204\times 10^{-7}\ \text{m} \]

Step 4: Convert into nanometer.
Since \[ 1\ \text{nm}=10^{-9}\ \text{m}, \] we get \[ \lambda_{\min} = 8.204\times 10^{-7}\times 10^9\ \text{nm} \] \[ \lambda_{\min}=820.4\ \text{nm} \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Hence, the shortest wavelength in the Paschen series is \[ \boxed{820.4\ \text{nm}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top AP EAPCET Physics Questions

View More Questions