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IB Chemistry SL 1.3.2 Hydrogen Emission Spectrum Questions

Use hydrogen line positions and convergence to infer electron transitions, compare photon energies, and distinguish ultraviolet from visible lines.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Chemistry SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Describe the hydrogen line spectrum as evidence of discrete energy levels and relate emitted lines to transitions ending at n=1, n=2 or n=3.
  • Compare hydrogen transition energies, wavelengths and frequencies to assign ultraviolet or visible lines and identify the longest- or highest-energy transition.
  • Explain convergence of hydrogen emission lines at higher energies or frequencies and connect line positions with changing level spacing.

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Study 1.3.2—Hydrogen emission spectrum conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Chemistry SL 1.3.2 Hydrogen Emission Spectrum Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

Lithium and boron are elements in period 2 of the periodic table. Lithium occurs in group 1 (the alkali metals) and boron occurs in group 3. Isotopes exist for both elements.

Every element has its own unique line emission spectrum.

Draw a diagram to show the electron transitions between energy levels in a hydrogen atom that are responsible for the two series of lines in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. Label your diagram to show three transitions for each series.

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