Rydberg Formula

[Clement Ng]

The equation in the book uses the formula: frequency = R(1/n^2 - 1/N^2)

However, when I google the formula, it is 1/wavelength = R(1/n^2 - 1/N^2).

Why is that?

[Pooja Nair 1C]

If you look online, the Rydberg constant given might actually vary, so the equation itself might be different. My TA said to do Rydberg equations the long way, however, so using the formula En = (-hR)/n^2 for each energy level, and then finding the change in E between the levels. This will give you the energy of the photon emitted/absorbed and from there you can find wavelength or frequency as needed.

[Abby Ellstrom 1I]

I continue to get n=3.2 for this problem.

An excited hydrogen atom emits light with a frequency of 1.14 x 10^14 Hz to reach the energy level n=4. In what principle quantum level did the electron begin?