Negative sign in Equation

[sbeall_1C]

In class and the workshops, we looked at a diagram where the Y-axis is Energy, and the values are all negative building up to E=0 when the energy level goes toward infinity. Can someone explain why the energy values are negative? Is it due to the equation?

[Mansi_1D]

The values as electrons are going down to E=0 is negative because energy is being released. When energy is released, it is shown as a negative value. As electrons go from a higher energy level to a lower one, a photon (energy) is released.

[Megan_1F]

Is Rydberg's constant negative? Or is the equation itself just negative?

[Quynh Vo]

Rydberg's constant is not a negative number.

Is Rydberg's constant negative? Or is the equation itself just negative?

[katrinawong3d]

To add on, when electrons move down an energy level, it is an exothermic reaction, which indicates a negative sign.