## Rydberg's Equation (hydrogen)

H-Atom ($E_{n}=-\frac{hR}{n^{2}}$)

Brandon Mo 4K
Posts: 70
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:15 am

### Rydberg's Equation (hydrogen)

What exactly is Rydberg's equation?

In the book, the equation is given as:
v = R((1/n1^2) - (1/n2^2))

Is this the same equation as En = - hR/n^2 or is it something different? Also, how are we supposed to use this formula when working on problems?

rikolivares
Posts: 24
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:23 am

### Re: Rydberg's Equation (hydrogen)

En = - hR/n^2 is a simplified version that measures the lost energy of an electron. If you're trying to calculate the energy loss of a level, you need to know the frequency and level to solve it.

Ryan Troutman 4L
Posts: 68
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:22 am

### Re: Rydberg's Equation (hydrogen)

So the En equation is the simplified version of the full Rydberg equation. To use it in a problem you should be given integer values (so n=2 and n=1) and you solve for whatever the problem asks for. The top numbers are constant (Plancks and Ryberg) divided by the energy level given squared, which would allow you to solve for En.