A hydrogen electron jumps from the third excited to second excited state, and then from second excited to first excited state. The ratio λ₁/λ₂ for the emitted wavelengths is:
Options

Question

A hydrogen electron jumps from the third excited to second excited state, and then from second excited to first excited state. The ratio λ₁/λ₂ for the emitted wavelengths is:

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For 4→3, 1/λ₁ = R(1/3² − 1/4²) = 7R/144. For 3→2, 1/λ₂ = R(1/2² − 1/3²) = 5R/36. Hence λ₁/λ₂ = (5/36)/(7/144) = 20/7. This exactly matches option D. Answer: D.