Question

The wavelength (in cm) of the second line in the Lyman series of the hydrogen atomic spectrum is (Rydberg constant \( R \, \text{cm}^{-1})\).

• A. \(\frac{8R}{9}\)
• B. \(\frac{9}{8R}\)
• C. \(\frac{4}{3R}\)
• D. \(\frac{3R}{4}\)

Hint:

The Lyman series represents transitions of electrons to the \( n_1 = 1 \) level. Use the Rydberg formula to calculate the spectral line wavelengths. The second line in the Lyman series corresponds to \( n_2 = 3 \).