Question:

The spectral series formed when electrons of excited hydrogen atoms return to the third orbit from higher energy orbits is:

Show Hint

Remember the order of hydrogen spectral series: \[ 1 \rightarrow \text{Lyman} \] \[ 2 \rightarrow \text{Balmer} \] \[ 3 \rightarrow \text{Paschen} \] \[ 4 \rightarrow \text{Brackett} \] \[ 5 \rightarrow \text{Pfund} \]
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • Lyman series
  • Paschen series
  • Brackett series
  • Pfund series
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand hydrogen spectral series.
In the hydrogen atom, spectral series are formed when electrons jump from higher energy levels to a fixed lower energy level.
Different series correspond to different final orbits.

Step 2: Recall the important spectral series.
\[ \text{Lyman series} \rightarrow n_f=1 \] \[ \text{Balmer series} \rightarrow n_f=2 \] \[ \text{Paschen series} \rightarrow n_f=3 \] \[ \text{Brackett series} \rightarrow n_f=4 \] \[ \text{Pfund series} \rightarrow n_f=5 \]

Step 3: Identify the required series.
The question states that electrons return to the third orbit: \[ n_f=3 \] The spectral series corresponding to \[ n_f=3 \] is the Paschen series.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the required spectral series is \[ \boxed{\text{Paschen series}} \] Hence, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(2)} \]
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