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

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