Balmer Series and Atomic Absorbtion/Emission

[ThomasMagnus]

Homework Statement

This isn't a homework question, but I will try and follow the template.

I am confused about the relationship between the absorption and emission spectrums for hydrogen. I was taught that in the balmer series for hydrogen, when an electron moves from the n=1 level to n=3, and then drops from n=3 to n=2 it emits red light. I was also told that the absorption spectrum would have a black line at about 656nm and a red line on the emission spectrum in the same location. It was explained that it absorbed red light, so it must emit that light when the electrons fall to a lower level.

What I don't understand is how red light absorbed could bump the electron from n=1 to 3, while dropping from n=3 to 2 would release the same light. Wouldn't it have to drop back to n=1 to emit this same red light?

Thanks!

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

See above

 

[Simon Bridge]

What I don't understand is how red light absorbed could bump the electron from n=1 to 3, while dropping from n=3 to 2 would release the same light. Wouldn't it have to drop back to n=1 to emit this same red light?

Yes it would. It looks like the description got garbled.