Energy levels and hydrogen spectrum (Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett, Pfund series)
Atomic models · Physics
Bohr atom
Interactive 3DElectrons orbit the nucleus in shells — switch element to see H, He and Li fill their shells.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
Study notes
(a) Calculate the wavelength of the H-beta line (n = 4 → 2). (b) Calculate the series limit of the Lyman series (n = ∞ → 1). (c) Which series does a 1875 nm line belong to? Solution: (a) ΔE = 13.6(1/4 − 1/16) = 13.6 × 0.1875 = 2.55 eV. λ = 1240/2.55 ≈ 486 nm (blue-green) ✓. (b) ΔE = 13.6(1/1 − 0) = 13.6 eV → λ = 1240/13.6 ≈ 91.2 nm (UV) — the Lyman limit. (c) 1875 nm: E = 1240/1875 = 0.661 eV. Check Paschen (end n=3): 4→3 gives 13.6(1/9 − 1/16) = 0.661 eV ✓ — first Paschen line.