What is the maximum number of spectral lines, if the sample is containing only three atoms? — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Atom 1: $5\to4\to3\to2\to1$ (4 lines). Atom 2: $5\to3\to1$ (2 lines). Atom 3 can take a path to produce at most 1 completely new line without reusing transitions. For example, $5\to4\to2\to1$ (where $4\to2$ is the 1 new line, others reused) or $5\to2\to1$ (where $5\to2$ is the 1 new line). Total = 4 + 2 + 1 = 7 lines. Therefore, correct answer is C.