Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Balmer series describes the set of spectral emission lines of the hydrogen atom that result when an electron transitions from a higher energy level to the n=2 energy level. These lines are visible in the electromagnetic spectrum's visible range.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The Balmer series is named after Johann Balmer, who discovered the empirical formula for these wavelengths in 1885.
It includes four prominent visible lines: H-alpha (red), H-beta (blue-green), H-gamma (violet), and H-delta (deeper violet).
The wavelengths of Balmer series lines can be calculated using the Rydberg formula: $\frac{1}{\lambda} = R_H \left( \frac{1}{2^2} - \frac{1}{n^2} \right)$ where $n > 2$.
These spectral lines are part of the hydrogen atom's emission spectrum and occur due to electronic transitions between high-energy levels down to n=2.
Balmer series lines are critical for understanding atomic structure and play a key role in astrophysics for studying stellar compositions.
A physical constant related to atomic spectra, denoted as $R_H$, approximately equal to $1.097 \times 10^7 \text{m}^{-1}$.
Spectral Emission Lines: Discreet wavelengths of light emitted by atoms or molecules transitioning between energy levels.
Lyman Series: A group of spectral emission lines of hydrogen that occur when an electron falls to the n=1 energy level, located in the ultraviolet region.