Step 1: Balmer Series Formula.
The wavelength for the first emission line in the Balmer series is given by the Rydberg formula:
\[
\frac{1}{\lambda} = R \left( \frac{1}{2^2} - \frac{1}{n^2} \right)
\]
For the first emission line, \( n = 3 \). The wave number \( \nu \) is \( \frac{1}{\lambda} \), and the wave number for the first emission line is \( \frac{5}{36} R \).
Step 2: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A), \( \frac{5}{36} R \).