To find the shortest wavelength in the Paschen series, the value of n used is
Correct answer: C. 5
- A. 2
- B. 4
- C. 5
- D. ∞
Explanation
C is the right option As n decreases in the initial state (higher level), the term 1 / n² in the equation becomes larger, leading to a larger value on the left-hand side (1 / λ).Since the left-hand side represents the reciprocal of the wavelength (1 / λ), a larger value on this side corresponds to a smaller wavelength (higher energy).Therefore, for the shortest wavelength (highest energy photon), we need the lowest possible value of n after which the term 1 / n² becomes significantly larger than 1 / 3².Since n cannot be negative or zero, and n' = 3, the lowest possible value for n in the Paschen series is n = 5.
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