(A) 5R/36 , 3R/16 , 21R/100
(B) 7R/144 , 3R/16 , 16R/255
(C) 3R/4 , 3R/16 , 7R/144
(D) 5R/36 , 8R/9 , 15R/16
Correct Answer: (A)
For the Balmer series of hydrogen atom, the electron transitions take place from higher energy levels (n = 3, 4, 5, …) to the level n = 2.
The wave number of a spectral line is given by the Rydberg formula:
Wave number = R ( 1 / 2² − 1 / n² )
For n = 3:
Wave number = R ( 1/4 − 1/9 ) = 5R/36
For n = 4:
Wave number = R ( 1/4 − 1/16 ) = 3R/16
For n = 5:
Wave number = R ( 1/4 − 1/25 ) = 21R/100
All the above wave numbers correspond to transitions ending at n = 2.
Hence, these spectral lines belong to the Balmer series.
Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.