Atomic Structure: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Atomic Structure. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

The last line of a series corresponds to $n_2 = \infty$. For the Balmer series, $1/\lambda_B = R(\frac{1}{2^2} - 0) \Rightarrow \lambda_B = \frac{4}{R}$. For the Lyman series, $1/\lambda_L = R(\frac{1}{1^2} - 0) \Rightarrow \lambda_L = \frac{1}{R}$. The ratio is $\lambda_B / \lambda_L = 4$.