Paschen series

Definition

The Paschen series is a series of spectral lines in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum that are produced by the transition of electrons in hydrogen atoms from higher energy levels to the third energy level (n=3). This series is named after the German physicist Friedrich Paschen, who discovered it in 1908.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paschen series is one of several series of spectral lines in the hydrogen atom, including the Lyman, Balmer, and Brackett series.
2. The Paschen series is observed in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths ranging from approximately 820 nanometers to 1875 nanometers.
3. The Paschen series is produced by the transition of electrons from higher energy levels (n≥4) to the third energy level (n=3) in the hydrogen atom.
4. The Paschen series is named after the German physicist Friedrich Paschen, who discovered it in 1908 while studying the infrared spectrum of hydrogen.
5. The Paschen series, along with other hydrogen spectral series, provides experimental evidence for the Bohr model of the atom and the quantized nature of electron energy levels.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between the Paschen series and the Bohr model of the atom.
  • The Paschen series is closely related to the Bohr model of the atom, as it provides experimental evidence for the quantized nature of electron energy levels. According to the Bohr model, electrons in a hydrogen atom can only occupy certain discrete energy levels, and the transitions of electrons between these levels result in the emission or absorption of photons with specific wavelengths. The Paschen series, which is observed in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, corresponds to the transitions of electrons from higher energy levels (n≥4) to the third energy level (n=3) in the hydrogen atom, as predicted by the Bohr model.
• Describe the characteristics of the Paschen series and how it differs from other hydrogen spectral series.
  • The Paschen series is one of several series of spectral lines produced by the hydrogen atom, each corresponding to transitions of electrons between different energy levels. The Paschen series is observed in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths ranging from approximately 820 nanometers to 1875 nanometers. This is in contrast to the Lyman series (ultraviolet), the Balmer series (visible), and the Brackett series (infrared), which are produced by transitions to different energy levels. The Paschen series is specifically characterized by transitions from higher energy levels (n≥4) to the third energy level (n=3) in the hydrogen atom, whereas the other series involve transitions to different principal quantum numbers.
• Evaluate the significance of the Paschen series in the development of our understanding of atomic structure and the nature of matter.
  • The Paschen series is a crucial piece of evidence that supports the Bohr model of the atom and the quantized nature of electron energy levels. By observing the specific wavelengths of light emitted by hydrogen atoms, scientists were able to confirm that electrons can only occupy certain discrete energy levels, as predicted by the Bohr model. The Paschen series, along with other hydrogen spectral series, helped establish the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and the wave-particle duality of matter. This understanding has had far-reaching implications, from the development of modern atomic and molecular theory to the design of various technological applications, such as lasers and semiconductor devices. The Paschen series, therefore, represents a significant milestone in the history of our understanding of the structure of matter and the behavior of atoms at the quantum level.

Related terms

Bohr model: The Bohr model is a quantum mechanical model of the atom that was developed by Niels Bohr in 1913. It describes the structure of an atom as a small, dense nucleus surrounded by electrons that orbit the nucleus in circular paths called shells or energy levels.

Electron transitions: Electron transitions are the changes in the energy levels of electrons within an atom as they move from one energy level to another. These transitions are responsible for the emission or absorption of photons, which is the basis of atomic spectra.

Atomic spectra: Atomic spectra are the patterns of lines or bands in the electromagnetic spectrum that are produced by the emission or absorption of photons by atoms. These spectra are unique to each element and provide valuable information about the structure and composition of atoms.