12.3 What is the shortest wavelength present in the Paschen series of spectral lines?

Hint: Use the Rydberg's formula.

Step 1: Write an expression for the Rydberg's formula.
Rydberg's formula is given as,
hcλ=21.78×1019[1n121n22]
where,
h=Planck's constant =6.62×10-34 J-sec and c =  speed of light = 3×108m/s

Step 2: Find the value of n1 and n2 for shortest wavelength in Paschen series.
The shortest wavelength present in the Paschen series of the
spectral lines is given for values, n1=3 and n2=.

Step 3: Find the shortest wavelength in Paschen series.
hcλ=21.78×1019[1(3)21()2]λ=6.62×1034×3×108×921.78×1019=8.181×107m=818.1 nm