The Balmer Series is a spectral series of hydrogen, discovered by Swiss physicist Johann Balmer in 1885. The correct spelling of Balmer is /bɑːlmər/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as in "father", and the "r" in the second syllable is silent. The phonetic transcription helps to clarify the pronunciation of this scientific term, which is used to describe the visible light emitted by hydrogen atoms when they transition from higher energy levels to the second energy level.
The Balmer series refers to a specific sequence of spectral lines that are emitted by excited hydrogen atoms. It is named after the Swiss physicist Johann Balmer, who discovered this series in 1885. The Balmer series is classified under the broader category of atomic emission spectra, which describes the characteristic radiation emitted by atoms when they transition from higher energy levels to lower ones.
The series is composed of several discrete spectral lines that fall within the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from deep red at the longest wavelengths to violet at the shortest wavelengths. The wavelengths of these lines can be mathematically calculated using Balmer's formula, which expresses the relationship between the wavelength and the energy levels involved in the electronic transition.
The Balmer series corresponds specifically to electron transitions where the electron starts from an energy level with principal quantum number 2 (n = 2) and ends up in the energy level with principal quantum number 3 (n = 3), 4 (n = 4), 5 (n = 5), and so on. The transitions associated with the Balmer series produce visible light due to their energy levels falling within the visible spectrum.
Due to its significance in hydrogen spectroscopy and the understanding of atomic structure, the Balmer series has been crucial in determining fundamental constants such as the Rydberg constant, which relates the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. Additionally, it has provided scientists with valuable insights into the behavior of electrons and the quantum mechanical nature of atoms.
The term "Balmer series" refers to a specific set of spectral lines observed in the emission spectrum of hydrogen. It is named after Johann Balmer, a Swiss mathematician and secondary school teacher who made significant contributions to the understanding of atomic spectroscopy.
In the late 19th century, Balmer derived an empirical formula that represented the wavelengths of hydrogen's visible spectral lines. His formula, known as the Balmer formula, was based on experimental observations and helped establish a pattern in the behavior of these lines.
The Balmer series specifically refers to the visible spectral lines of hydrogen, which were studied extensively by Balmer and other scientists. The series includes four prominent lines in the visible region: H-alpha (red), H-beta (blue-green), H-gamma (violet), and H-delta (ultraviolet). These lines are often used in various fields of science for analysis and identification purposes.