The short wavelength limit of the Lyman, Paschen and Balmer series, in the hydrogen spectrum, are denoted by λ L, λ P and λ B respectively. Arrange these wavelengths in increasing order. Lyman series transitions. A continuum of light passing through this gas will consequently result in Balmer series absorption. A continuum of light passing through this gas will consequently result in Paschen series absorption. Paschen series transitions.

An electron in the ground state can absorb energy and enter a higher energy level (excited state).

Lyman Series Vs Balmer Series

For hydrogen, an electron in the ground state occupies the first energy level (n=1)

For hydrogen, an electron in the excited state occupies an energy level greater than n=1 (ie, n=2, n=3 etc)

An excited electron will fall down to a lower energy level, emitting a photon of particular energy (and hence of a particular wavelength⁽¹⁾) in the process.

The greater the energy of the photon emitted, the shorter its wavelength is.

Observing and recording the wavelengths of these emitted photons results in an emission spectrum consisting of discrete lines.

The lines in the hydrogen emission spectrum are grouped together in a number of different named series:

⚛ Lyman series : a group of lines in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Lyman Balmer Paschen Brackett Pfund Series

⚛ Balmer series : a group of lines around the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Lyman Balmer Paschen Brackett Series

⚛ Paschen series : a group of lines in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

⚛ Brackett series, Pfund series and Humphreys series also occur in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Each of these series corresponds to excited electrons falling down to a particular energy level:⁽²⁾

⚛ Lyman series : excited electrons fall back to the n=1 energy level

⚛ Balmer series : excited electrons fall back to the n=2 energy level

⚛ Paschen series : excited electrons fall back to the n=3 energy level

⚛ Brackett series : excited electrons fall back to the n=4 energy level

What Is The Difference Between Lyman And Balmer Series

⚛ Pfund series : excited electrons fall back to the n=5 energy level

Lyman Balmer Paschen Brackett Pfund

⚛ Humphreys series : excited electrons fall back to the n=6 energy level