Regarding the various spectral series of the hydrogen atom emission spectrum, identify the TRUE stat — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Balmer series is the only series that produces lines in the visible region, but NOT ALL its lines are visible (only the first four are; the rest fall in the UV region). Maximum lines from $n=5$ to $n=1$ is $\frac{5(5-1)}{2} = 10$. The limiting line occurs when $n_2 = \infty$, so $\frac{1}{\lambda} = R_H (\frac{1}{n_1^2} - 0)$, yielding $\lambda = \frac{n_1^2}{R_H}$.