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Transitions down to which energy level produce visible light in the hydrogen emission spectrum?

User Aynat
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Final answer:

Visible light in the hydrogen emission spectrum is produced by electrons transitioning from higher energy levels (n ≥ 3) to the second level (n=2), known as the Balmer series.

Step-by-step explanation:

Transitions down to the second energy level (n=2) in the hydrogen atom produce visible light in the hydrogen emission spectrum. The series of these transitions is known as the Balmer series. Specifically, transitions from higher energy levels (n ≥ 3) to the second energy level correspond to visible light with wavelengths in the range of red (at 656 nm), green (at 486 nm), blue (at 434 nm), and violet (at 410 nm). Therefore, electronic emission transitions from levels such as n=3, n=4, n=5, and n=6 back down to n=2 result in the emission of light that is visible to the human eye.

User Ponaguynik
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