Rydberg equation

[emmaferry2D]

In the Rydberg equation( deltaE= (-hR/n1)-(-hR/n2)) which n goes where? does the start value of the n energy level =1 or does or change based on which level of n is higher?

[Eva Becker]

n(sub)1 should be the final energy level and n(sub)2 should be the initial energy level.

[Ethan Goode 2H]

It depends if it is emission or absorption. If it is emission, the higher energy level is n sub 1, and vice versa for absorption.

[Yichen Fan 3A]

It's always the final energy state minus the starting energy state. If the electron is raised to a higher energy level, n1 will be greater than n2; if the electron emits light and falls back to a lower energy level, n1 will be smaller than n2.

[Brett Lieuallen 2A]

Isn't the n also squared?