If an electron transits from n = 7 to n = 1 in a hydrogen atom then the maximum number of spectral lines that can form will be?

Options

A. 15
B. 10
C. 5
D. 6

Explanation

To determine the maximum number of spectral lines that can form when an electron transitions from n = 7 to n = 1 in a hydrogen atom, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Transition
When an electron in a hydrogen atom transitions from a higher energy level (n = 7) to a lower energy level (n = 1), it can emit energy in the form of light, resulting in spectral lines.

### Step 2: Determine the Number of Possible Transitions
The maximum number of spectral lines that can be formed during this transition can be calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{Maximum number of spectral lines} = n - 1 \]
where \( n \) is the principal quantum number of the initial energy level.

### Step 3: Apply the Formula
In this case, since the electron is transitioning from n = 7:
\[ \text{Maximum number of spectral lines} = 7 - 1 = 6 \]

### Step 4: List the Possible Transitions
The possible transitions that can occur as the electron moves from n = 7 to n = 1 are:
1. n = 7 to n = 6
2. n = 6 to n = 5
3. n = 5 to n = 4
4. n = 4 to n = 3
5. n = 3 to n = 2
6. n = 2 to n = 1

Each of these transitions corresponds to a spectral line.

### Conclusion
Thus, the maximum number of spectral lines that can form when an electron transitions from n = 7 to n = 1 in a hydrogen atom is **6**.

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