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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Transitions between three energy levels in a particular atom give rise to three spectral lines of wavelengths, in increasing magnitudes λ1, λ2 and λ3. Which one of the following equations correctly relates λ1, λ2 and λ3?
PhysicsAtomic PhysicsNEET
Options:
  • A λ1=λ2-λ3
  • B λ1=λ3-λ2
  • C 1λ1=1λ2+1λ3
  • D 1λ2=1λ3+1λ1
Solution:
2556 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: 1λ1=1λ2+1λ3

Let the three energy levels be E1,E2, and E3. The wavelength λ1,λ2 and λ3 of the spectra lines corresponding to the three energy transitions are depicted as shown in figure.

E=hf=hcλ or E1λ
(given λ1<λ2<λ3)
Thus, for the three wavelengths, we have
E3-E2=hcλ3i
E2-E1=hcλ1ii
E3-E1=hcλ1iv
Now, E3-E1=E3-E2+E2-E1


hcλ1=hcλ3+hcλ21λ1=1λ2+1λ3

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