2.55 Emission transitions in the Paschen series end at orbit n = 3 and start from orbit n and can be represented as v = 3.29 × 1015 (Hz) [ 1/32 – 1/n2]

Calculate the value of n if the transition is observed at 1285 nm. Find the region of the spectrum.

The wavelength of transition = 1285 nm
= 1285 × 10–9 m (Given)

v=3.29x1015132-1n2

Sincev=cλ
=3.0x108m/s1285x10-9m
Now,
v=2.33x1014s-1
Substitutingthevalueofνinthegivenexpression,
3.29x101519-1n2=2.33x1014
19-1n2=2.33x10143.29x1015
19-0.7082x10-1=1n2
1n2=1.1x10-1-0.7082x10-1
1n2=4.029x10-2
n=14.029x10-2
n=4.98n
5

Hence, for the transition to be observed at 1285 nm, n = 5.

The spectrum lies in the infra-red region.