HW 1.15, 6th edition

[Bianca Barcelo 4I]

"In the ultraviolet spectrum of atomic hydrogen, a line is observed at 102.6 nm. Determine the values of n for the initial and final energy levels of the electron during the emission of energy that leads to this spectral line."

Hi, I am not sure how to solve for the initial and final energy levels of the electron? I know we can use the Rydberg equation, but I am still a little confused about it.

[Yvonne Du]

1)Convert 102.6nm to 1.03*10^-7m.
2)Use c=v*lamda to find the frequency.
3)Use Rydberg formula, v=R(1/(n^2)-1/(n^2)) to find n2. Note that the first n is n1 and the second n is n2.
4)Since it's Lyman's series, you know n1=1.