how do i calculate the wavelength of light emitted by a hydrogen atom?
Do you know the shells involved in the electron movement. If so, then
E = 3.18 x 10^18 J [(1/n12) - (1/n22)]
typo.
That 3.18 x 10^18 should be
2.18 x 10^-18
The answer is in units of Joules/photon. That is for one transition of one electron.
To calculate the wavelength of light emitted by a hydrogen atom, you can use the Rydberg formula. The Rydberg formula is given as:
1/λ = R(1/n₁² - 1/n₂²)
Where:
- λ represents the wavelength of light emitted
- R is the Rydberg constant, which is approximately equal to 1.097 × 10^7 m⁻¹
- n₁ and n₂ are positive integers representing the principal quantum numbers of the initial and final energy levels of the hydrogen atom, respectively.
Here's how to calculate the wavelength step by step:
1. Determine the principal quantum numbers (n₁ and n₂) for the energy levels involved in the hydrogen atom transition. The initial energy level (n₁) represents the higher energy level, and the final energy level (n₂) represents the lower energy level.
2. Substitute the values of n₁ and n₂ into the Rydberg formula.
3. Calculate 1/λ using the formula: 1/λ = R(1/n₁² - 1/n₂²)
4. Take the reciprocal of 1/λ to find the wavelength, which is represented by λ.
By following these steps, you can calculate the wavelength of light emitted by a hydrogen atom.