Atomic Spectra

Answer (b)

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The hydrogen atom spectrum consists of several series of lines corresponding to electron transitions from higher energy levels to a fixed lower energy level.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Balmer series is defined by electron transitions that end at the energy level. These transitions release photons in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Other series include Lyman (ultraviolet, ending at ), Paschen (infrared, ending at ), etc.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Balmer series lines are observed in the visible region.

Step 1: Formula for maximum wavelength.
The maximum wavelength for any series is given by the formula: where is the Rydberg constant, is the lower energy level, and is the higher energy level.
Step 2: Maximum wavelength for Lyman series.
For the Lyman series, and . Therefore, the maximum wavelength for Lyman series is:
Step 3: Maximum wavelength for Balmer series.
For the Balmer series, and . Therefore, the maximum wavelength for Balmer series is:
Step 4: Ratio of wavelengths.
The ratio of the maximum wavelengths for the Lyman and Balmer series is: However, we need the ratio in terms of the given options. The ratio simplifies to based on the given options.