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The energy levels of an hydrogen atom are shown below. The transition corresponding to emission of shortest wavelength is

Asked in JEE Main 6th April 1st Shift 2023 · Spectral series and wavelengths

Figure: Spectral series and wavelengths

(1) D
(2) A
(3) B
(4) C

Answer: (1) D

Step-by-step solution

Shortest wavelength means the largest energy gap.

A: 4→3, B: 4→2, C: 3→2, D: 3→1.

3→1 gives 12.09 eV, the largest of the four.

Why the other options are wrong

(2) Picks the shortest arrow, which is the longest wavelength.
(3) Picks the jump from the highest level, not the largest gap.
(4) Picks a small gap.

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