Rydberg formula for hydrogen spectral lines
This formula gives the wavelength of light emitted when an electron in a hydrogen-like atom drops from a higher energy level n to a lower level n'. It is used to predict and identify the lines in atomic emission spectra such as the Lyman, Balmer and Paschen series.
\frac{1}{\lambda} = R Z^2 \left( \frac{1}{n'^2} - \frac{1}{n^2} \right)What the symbols mean
| wavelength of the emitted light (m) | |
| Rydberg constant (m^{-1}) | |
| atomic number of the nucleus (1 for hydrogen) | |
| principal quantum number of the lower energy level | |
| principal quantum number of the higher energy level, with n > n' |
About this formula
- FieldPhysics
- TopicAtomic spectra
- LevelUniversity
- Also calledRydberg formula, hydrogen line spectrum, hydrogen emission wavelengths, hydrogen spectral series wavelength, Rydberg equation, wavelength of hydrogen spectral lines
- SourceWikidata Q2613048
Write it in Obsidian
MathLive is a free visual math editor for Obsidian. Run Find a formula, type “rydberg formula for hydrogen spectral lines”, and it goes into your note as editable LaTeX. You can also scan formulas from screenshots, PDFs and handwriting.