Second Line of Paschen Series | JEE Main PYQ | Structure of Atom
Q. If wavelength of the first line of the Paschen series of hydrogen atom is 720 nm, then the wavelength of the second line of this series is ______ nm. (Nearest integer)

Correct Answer: 492 nm

Explanation

For Paschen series, final state nf = 3.

First line: n = 4 → 3 Second line: n = 5 → 3

Using Rydberg formula:

1/λ = R ( 1/nf2 − 1/ni2 )

First line:

1/λ₁ = R ( 1/3² − 1/4² )

Second line:

1/λ₂ = R ( 1/3² − 1/5² )

Taking ratio:

λ₂ / λ₁ = (1/3² − 1/4²) ÷ (1/3² − 1/5²)

λ₂ = 720 × (7/144) ÷ (16/225)

λ₂ ≈ 492 nm

Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.

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