AIIMS 2018 Physics Spectral Lines MCQ Question

The shortest wavelength in the Paschen series corresponds to the transition from n=3 to n=∞, calculated using the Rydberg formula, yielding λₘᵢₙ = 9 / (1.0965 × 10⁻³) = 8208 Å. This series involves transitions to the n=3 energy level, which emits infrared light, thus confirming that 8208 Å is the shortest wavelength in this series. In contrast, options B (6563 Å), C (1215 Å), and D (1875 Å) correspond to the Balmer and Lyman series, which involve transitions to n=2 and n=1, respectively, and do not represent the Paschen series. Understanding these transitions helps clarify the spectral lines associated with different energy levels in hydrogen.