2.33 What transition in the hydrogen spectrum would have the same wavelength as the Balmer transition n = 4 to n = 2 of He+ spectrum ?

For He+ ion, the wave number V associated with the Balmer transition, n = 4 to n = 2 is given by:

v = 1λ = RZ21n12 - 1n22

Where, n1 = 2 n2 = 4
Z = atomic number of helium

v = 1λ = R2214 - 116
= 4R4 - 116
v = 1λ = 3R4
 λ = 43R

According to the question, the desired transition for hydrogen will have the same wavelength as that of He+.

 R121n12 - 1n22 = 3R4
                1n12 - 1n22 = 34                     ...1

By hit and trail method, the equality given by equation (1) is true only when n1 = 1and n2 = 2.
 The transition for n2 = 2 to n = 1 in hydrogen spectrum would have the same wavelength as Balmer transition n = 4 to n = 2 of He+ spectrum.