Deuterium was discovered in 1932 by Harold Urey

Deuterium was discovered in 1932 by Harold Urey by measuring the small change in wavelength for a particular transition in 1H and 2H. This is because the

wavelength of transition depends to a certain extent on the nuclear mass. If nuclear motion is taken into account then the electrons and nucleus revolve

around their common centre of mass. Such a system is equivalent to a single particle with a reduced mass µ, revolving around the nucleus at a distance equal

to the electron-nucleus separation. Here µ = me M/(me +M) where M is the nuclear mass and me is the electronic mass. Estimate the percentage difference in

wavelength for the 1st line of the Lyman series in 1H and 2H. (Mass of 1H nucleus is 1.6725 × 10–27 kg, Mass of 2H nucleus is 3.3374 × 10–27 kg, Mass of

electron = 9.109 × 10–31 kg.)