## n1 and n2 in Rydberg Equation

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

Immi Lee - 1D
Posts: 93
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:58 pm

### n1 and n2 in Rydberg Equation

Hi! So I was doing the textbook practice problems and I got to 1A.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 understand how to do the problems and I got n = 1 and 3, but the question says "emission of energy". Doesn't that mean that the electron is losing energy and is moving from a higher energy level to a lower one? If so, why is the answer in the answer key n1 = 1 and n2 = 3? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Selena Quispe 2I
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Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:01 pm
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### Re: n1 and n2 in Rydberg Equation

Hi! Lavelle has a Solution manual error sheet on his website where he clarifies that it should be from n=3 to n=1 as energy is being emitted!

Immi Lee - 1D
Posts: 93
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:58 pm

### Re: n1 and n2 in Rydberg Equation

Ohhhhh okay thank you!

Emma_Barrall_3J
Posts: 85
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:55 pm

### Re: n1 and n2 in Rydberg Equation

Apparently there was an error in the question. But just remember that emission is decrease in energy and return to a lower principle quantum number (in this case: n=3 to n=1)