Question

A line from the Brackett series of hydrogen has a wavelength of 1945nm (or 1.0979x10^7m). From which state did the electron originate.

Answer 1

We use the Rydberg Equation for this which is expressed as:

1/ lambda = R [ 1/(n2)^2 - 1/(n1)^2]

where lambda is the wavelength, where n represents the final and initial states. Brackett series means that the initial orbit that electron was there is 4 and R is equal to 1.0979x10^7m. Thus,

1/ lambda = R [ 1/(n2)^2 - 1/(n1)^2]
1/1.0979x10^7m = 1.0979x10^7m [ 1/(n2)^2 - 1/(4)^2]

Solving for n2, we obtain n=1.