Spectral Lines
Part of the Optics, Waves and Modern Physics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 42 of 53.
Every drop between two levels is one line. From level n:
N = n(n − 1) / 2
To n = 1: Lyman (UV). To n = 2: Balmer (visible). To n = 3: Paschen (infrared).
Challenge
Hydrogen atoms are excited to the level n = 5. How many different spectral lines N can they give out?
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Optics, Waves and Modern Physics
1Reflection and Refraction
Reflection of LightThe Refractive IndexSnell's LawTotal Internal ReflectionDispersionApparent DepthRecap - Optical Fiber4Mechanical Waves
What a Wave IsTwo Graphs of a WaveWhen Pulses MeetInterferenceStanding WavesHarmonicsRecap - Guitar String