Physics

The Balmer series shows transitions ending at $n=2$, starting from higher levels ($n=3, 4, 5, ...$). As you go to higher initial levels, the energy gaps between consecutive levels get smaller—they're compressed together like rungs on a ladder that narrows toward the top. Since photon energy (and thus frequency and color) depends on these gaps, smaller energy differences produce photons closer in frequency, making the spectral lines bunch up toward the violet end. This compression reflects the $1/n^2$ scaling of hydrogen's energy levels.

The Balmer series shows transitions ending at $n=2$, starting from higher levels ($n=3, 4, 5, ...$). As you go to higher initial levels, the energy gaps between consecutive levels get smaller—they're compressed together like rungs on a ladder that narrows toward the top. Since photon energy (and thus frequency and color) depends on these gaps, smaller energy differences produce photons closer in frequency, making the spectral lines bunch up toward the violet end. This compression reflects the $1/n^2$ scaling of hydrogen's energy levels.