Lyman series

physics

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June 30, 2026

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The Lyman series is one of the spectral line series produced by hydrogen atoms. These series are related sequences of wavelengths emitted by energized atoms, and when viewed through a spectroscope, they appear as lines that become closer together toward the shortest wavelength, known as the series limit.1

The Lyman series specifically lies in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Its wavelengths can be calculated using a formula similar to the Balmer series, but with a constant term that is the reciprocal of 1 squared, and the integer n begins at 2. This series corresponds to electron transitions from higher energy states down to the ground state (n=1) of the hydrogen atom.12

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ionosphere and magnetosphere
Photon absorption
(The Lyman series is a related sequence of wavelengths that describe electromagnetic energy given off by energized atoms in the ultraviolet region.) Lyman α emissions are weakly absorbed by the major components of the atmosphere—O, O₂, and N₂—but they are absorbed readily by NO and have…
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(The Lyman series is a related sequence of wavelengths that describe electromagnetic energy given off by energized atoms in the ultraviolet region.) Lyman α emissions are weakly absorbed by the major components of the atmosphere—O, O₂, and N₂—but they are absorbed readily by NO and have…
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quantum mechanics
Bohr’s theory of the atom
…for m = 1, the Lyman series, lie in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum; those for m = 2, the Balmer series, lie in the visible spectrum; and those for m = 3, the Paschen series, lie in the infrared.
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…for m = 1, the Lyman series, lie in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum; those for m = 2, the Balmer series, lie in the visible spectrum; and those for m = 3, the Paschen series, lie in the infrared.
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spectral line series
The Lyman series lies in the ultraviolet, whereas the Paschen, Brackett, and Pfund series lie in the infrared. Their formulas are similar to Balmer’s except that the constant term is the reciprocal of the square of 1, 3, 4, or 5, instead of 2, and the…
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The Lyman series lies in the ultraviolet, whereas the Paschen, Brackett, and Pfund series lie in the infrared. Their formulas are similar to Balmer’s except that the constant term is the reciprocal of the square of 1, 3, 4, or 5, instead of 2, and the…
Read More