StreakPeaked· Practice

ExamsJEE AdvancedChemistry

If R is the Rydberg constant for hydrogen, what is the wave number of the first line of the Lyman series?

  1. 2R
  2. R/2
  3. 3R/4
  4. R/4

Correct answer: 3R/4

Solution

The Lyman series involves transitions from higher levels to n=1. The first line (lowest energy, longest wavelength) corresponds to the transition n=2 -> n=1. Wave number (1/lambda) = R_H*(1/n1² - 1/n2²) = R*(1/1² - 1/2²) = R*(1 - 1/4) = R*(3/4) = 3R/4.

Related JEE Advanced Chemistry questions

⚔️ Practice JEE Advanced Chemistry free + battle 1v1 →