IB Chemistry SL 1.3.2 Hydrogen Emission Spectrum

Practise using hydrogen's line spectrum as evidence for discrete electron energy levels. Identify transitions ending at different principal levels, explain photon emission and…

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
1.3.2
Level
SL

Exam points

  • identify the line spectrum as evidence that electron energy levels are discrete
  • link each emitted photon to an electron transition down to a lower principal level
  • explain line convergence by the decreasing separation between higher energy levels

1.3.2—Hydrogen emission spectrum 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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