## Rydberg constant

$c=\lambda v$

vpena_1I
Posts: 63
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:15 am

### Rydberg constant

In what case would we use the formula En=-hR/n^2?
We went through a few examples using ΔE=Ef-Ei =, but I don't know what a problem requiring the first equation would look like.

Ruby Tang 2J
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: Rydberg constant

The Rydberg equation is used in instances in which we want to calculate the energy of a given energy level (n) in a Hydrogen atom. We use the second equation you listed, ΔE=Ef-Ei, when we want to find the energy difference when an electron transitions from one energy level to another. However, the vast majority of the time you will not be given Ef and Ei, and will instead have to use the Rydberg equation (the first equation you listed) to calculate Ef and Ei.

Isabella Dal Porto 1H
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Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: Rydberg constant

Why is the Rydberg equation only applicable towards hydrogen atoms?

Amanda Lin 2I
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Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: Rydberg constant

Isabella Dal Porto 1I wrote:Why is the Rydberg equation only applicable towards hydrogen atoms?

The Rydberg equation only works for atoms with one electron. If there is more than one electron, the formula will produce incorrect results.

Letty Liu 2C
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: Rydberg constant

Isabella Dal Porto 1I wrote:Why is the Rydberg equation only applicable towards hydrogen atoms?

I believe it's because the Rydberg equation was derived from a spectroscopic experiment using hydrogen as the atom. Correct me if I'm wrong please!

Nicholas Chin 4E
Posts: 60
Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: Rydberg constant

The formula was derived empirically, meaning they looked at the data they collected from performing a spectroscopic experiment with hydrogen and developed a formula that fit the data they had. This means that it's only applicable to hydrogen.

cassidysong 1K
Posts: 59
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: Rydberg constant

The Rydberg equation works only for the hydrogen spectrum because it was found based on the Hydrogen experiment. A more sophisticated model is needed for a multi-electron problem.

Abigail_Hagen2G
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: Rydberg constant

So, when we use the equation, we end by doing Ef-Ei?