Transition and wavelength?

Question

Hi,

A line in the infrared region of hydrogen spectrum has wavelength of 1.093 micrometers. What is the transition responsible for this wavelength?

I tried using (9.112E-8 m) / (wavelength) = (1/nf^2 - 1/ni^2). But how do I solve for two unknowns? Do I assume nf = 1?


Thanks!

Answer 1

No, you should not assume any thing. The result of
hc/Eλ = (9.112E-8 m) /λ
should inform you the n's. For instance, if hc/Eλ = 3/4, you immediately know that nf = 1 and ni = 2. If hc/Eλ = 8/9, you immediately know that nf = 1 and ni = 3. If hc/Eλ = 5/36, you immediately know that nf = 2 and ni = 3.....