HW Problem 1.A.15

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

A Raab 1K
Posts: 56
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:16 am

HW Problem 1.A.15

1.A.15 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.

I was trying to use the Rydberg formula for this problem, so I tried to do 1/102.6 nm for the 1/(wavelength) side of the equation, but I didn't get the right answer. Does anyone know the relationship from 1/ (wavelength) to frequency, for example; or is there another way to do this problem?
Thanks.

Posts: 87
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:15 am

Re: HW Problem 1.A.15

The way that I would approach this problem is to replace the energy with hc/ƛ which is equivalent to the energy. From there I would suggest you use the -hR/n^2 and set it up as hc/ƛ=-hR(1/1 - 1/n^2). I tried to set up the basic idea here, but if necessary I can also expand on the calculations portion. Hope this helps!

Kishan Shah 2G
Posts: 132
Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2019 12:15 am

Re: HW Problem 1.A.15

The way that I approached the questions was that I used the Rydberg Equation after determining that this was an instance of the Lyman Series. So we know the frequency, we know the Rydberg constant, we know n(1)=1 due to the fact its a Lyman series. So we solve for n2. Once we determine n2, we know that whatever n2 is, is the energy level the electron was excited to from the 1st level.

Juliet Stephenson 4E
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:21 am

Re: HW Problem 1.A.15

Can anyone walk me through this problem using En=-hR/n2? I understand how to do this using the Rydberg Equation, but am having trouble figuring it out the other way. Thank you!