Question 16

[tjk447963]

Can this problem also be deduced by using the following statements from the passage:
"The Lyman series involves electron transitions to the n=1 energy level and had wavelengths in the ultra-violet region of the electromagnetic (e-m) spectrum. The Balmer series involved transitions to the n=2 energy level and the wavelengths corresponded to the visible range of the e-m spectrum."

I narrowed it down to either B (3 to 1) or D (4 to 2), because they involved transitioning down 2 energy levels versus 1 in A (2 to 1) and C (3 to 2). Then could you ascertain that its B, because we are told that transitions to n=1 energy levels has wavelengths in the UV region (small wavelength, high energy). This is versus transitions to n=2, which has wavelengths in the lower energy visible region.

[mcat_premed3832]

Your logic is very reasonable. But, as a habit, it is also useful to be able to manipulate equations given in the passage.