Figure 6. Atomic Spectra ChartWhen energy is released in the “allowed” values, it is released in the form
of discrete radiant energy called photons. Each of the first three levels has a
particular name associated with the emissions that occur when an electron
reaches its ground state on that level. The emissions, consisting of ultraviolet
radiation, that occur when an electron cascades from a level higher than the first
level down to n = 1 are known as the Lyman series. Note in Figure 6 that the next
two higher levels have the names Balmer (for n = 2) and Paschen (n = 3) series,
respectively.
Spectroscopy
When the light emitted by energized atoms is examined with an instrument called
a spectroscope, the prism or diffraction grating in the spectroscope disperses the
light to allow an examination of the spectra or distinct colored lines. Since only
particular energy jumps are available in each type of atom, each element has its
own unique emission spectra made up of only the lines of specific wavelength that
correspond to its atomic structure. The relationship of wavelength to frequency is
shown below.
A partial atomic spectrum for hydrogen would look like this: