## Rydberg equation

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

305115396
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:16 am

### Rydberg equation

In the video modules, professor Lavelle said that the Rydberg equation is v=-R [(1/n^2) - (1/n^2) , but the textbook says that the correct equation is v= R [(1/n^2) - (1/n^2). Why did professor Lavelle say to add a negative to the Rydberg constant and which one is correct?
Last edited by 305115396 on Sat Nov 03, 2018 11:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Danny Zhang 4L
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:26 am

### Re: Rydberg equation

They are both correct. However, professor Lavelle prefers using negative signs to clearly indicate that higher n results in higher energy.

Shibhon_Shepard
Posts: 62
Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 3:04 am

### Re: Rydberg equation

wait, how does a negative indicate a higher state? is it because electrons are negative and as you have more it becomes more negative?

Danny Zhang 4L
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:26 am

### Re: Rydberg equation

Given that the energy is found through -(hR/n^2), increasing n would indicate greater energy as the result becomes less negative. If we use hR/n^2 to find the energy instead, increasing n would result in lower energy values, which is not correct.