Question

Suppose an electron can exist in the ground state and three other energy levels. How many lines in the emission spectrum can be predicted?

Answer 1

so you've got 4 states

so this is a perm/combo question

@osprey

Answer 2

transitions from any higher state to any of the lower states gives an emission. Highest goes to 3 levels. Next highest goes to 2 levels. Lowest EXCITED state goes to ground state. is that 6 transitions ? I'd draw a diag. but i can't draw, esp not here.
http://perendis.webs.com
pity the q wasn't about the sodium D line doublet pair ... Maybe that's to come ...

Answer 3

@osprey