Question

Which, of the following is true of the Balmer series of the hydrogen spectrum?
a. The series is in the visible region.
b. The entire series falls in the ultraviolet region
c. The entire series falls in the infrared region
d. The series is partly in the visible region and partly in the infrared region

• A. b
• B. c
• C. a
• D. d

Hint:

Remember: Lyman series lies in ultraviolet, Balmer series lies in visible, and Paschen series lies in infrared region.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand hydrogen spectral series.
Hydrogen spectrum contains different series such as Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett and Pfund series.
Each series corresponds to electronic transitions ending at a fixed lower energy level.

Step 2: Identify Balmer series transition.
Balmer series is formed when electrons fall from higher energy levels to the second orbit.
\[ n_2 \rightarrow n_1 = 2 \]

Step 3: Region of Balmer series.
The Balmer series of hydrogen lies in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum.
This is why hydrogen Balmer lines are commonly observed as visible spectral lines.

Step 4: Compare statement a.
Statement (a) says the series is in the visible region. This is correct.

Step 5: Reject other statements.
Statement (b) is incorrect because ultraviolet region corresponds to Lyman series.
Statement (c) is incorrect because infrared region mainly corresponds to Paschen, Brackett and Pfund series.
Statement (d) is also incorrect for the standard classification asked here, because Balmer series is identified with visible region.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
\[ \boxed{\text{a}} \] Hence, correct answer is option (C).