In the emission spectrum of hydrogen, which electronic transition would produce a line in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum?

A.     \(n = 2 \to n = 1\)

B.     \(n = 3 \to n = 2\)

C.     \(n = 2 \to n = 3\)

D.     \(n = \infty  \to n = 1\)

B

One respondent suggested that guesswork may be required to answer this question. However, this question was based on the emission spectrum of hydrogen, which relates to AS 2.3.3 in the guide and in the Teacher‟s notes it is clearly stated that the ultraviolet, visible and infrared regions of the spectrum should be considered. The question itself was answered correctly by 58.93% of candidates.