What should be the minimum number of hydrogen atoms in the sample to get a maximum of 10 spectral li — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

To get all 10 lines, we trace optimal non-overlapping pathways for separate atoms: A1(5-4, 4-3, 3-2, 2-1) [1], A2(5-3, 3-1) [2], A3(5-2, reused 2-1) [3], A4(reused 5-4, 4-2, reused 2-1) [3], A5(reused 5-4, 4-1) [3], A6(5-1) [3]. It takes exactly 6 atoms to cover all 10 independent transitions. Therefore, correct answer is B.