Final answer:
The given wavelengths in the hydrogen emission spectrum correspond to transitions from higher-energy orbits to lower-energy orbits in the hydrogen atom.
Step-by-step explanation:
An atomic emission spectrum of hydrogen shows three wavelengths: 1875 nm; 1282 nm; 1093 nm. These wavelengths can be assigned to transitions in the hydrogen atom based on the Bohr model. In this model, electrons in a hydrogen atom occupy different energy levels or orbits. When an electron transitions from a higher-energy orbit to a lower-energy orbit, it emits a photon with a specific wavelength corresponding to the energy difference between the two orbits.
The given wavelengths correspond to the following transitions in the hydrogen atom:
- Transition from n = 4 to n = 2: 1875 nm
- Transition from n = 3 to n = 2: 1282 nm
- Transition from n = 6 to n = 2: 1093 nm