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Modern Physics
Modern Physics

Hydrogen Spectrum (Rydberg)

1λ=RH(1n12−1n22)\frac{1}{\lambda} = R_H\left(\frac{1}{n_1^2} - \frac{1}{n_2^2}\right)

Predicts wavelengths of hydrogen spectral lines. n₁ = 1: Lyman, n₁ = 2: Balmer series.

Variables

\lambda
Wavelength of emission
m
R_H
Rydberg constant
m⁻¹
n_1
Lower energy level
unitless
n_2
Upper energy level
unitless

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Common questions

What is the Hydrogen Spectrum (Rydberg) formula?

Hydrogen Spectrum (Rydberg) is written 1/λ= Rₕ(1/n₁² - 1/n₂²). Predicts wavelengths of hydrogen spectral lines. n₁ = 1: Lyman, n₁ = 2: Balmer series. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Atomic Physics.

What are the units in 1/λ= Rₕ(1/n₁² - 1/n₂²)?

In SI units, \lambda is wavelength of emission, measured in m; R_H is rydberg constant, measured in m⁻¹; n_1 is lower energy level (dimensionless); n_2 is upper energy level (dimensionless).