Homework Help: Chemistry

Posted by Priscilla on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 10:33pm.

Calculate the level from which the electron fell, n2, for the hydrogen line you observed.

wavelength (lambda) = 400 nm
n1 = 2
RH = 2.18 x 10^-18

I keep having trouble with finding n2. Is the above given right to plug in for 1/(lambda) = RH (1/n1^2 - n2^2)

thank you for any help

Chemistry - DrBob222, Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 10:43pm
no. Your constant is not right.
The Rydberg constant, R_H = 1.097E7.
1/wavelenth = RH(1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2)
wavelength must be converted to meters.
Chemistry - Priscilla, Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 10:46pm
Okay, I was solving out this this equation for n2^2

n2^2 = 1(1/n - E/Rh)

Is this right?
Chemistry - Priscilla, Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 10:53pm
If its okay, can you show me in detail how to find n2^2 because I have done this three times and I'm still a little confused by this.
Chemistry - DrBob222, Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 10:56pm
I think it is far easier to substitute the numbers, then do the math than try to manipulate all of the variables. I use one of the following where w = wavelength:
1/w = 2.180E-19/hc x (1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2) but it is much easier to simplify that by
1/w = R_H(1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2). That formula is the original Rydberg formula I believe. Using the 2.180 number as well as substituting h and c is just asking for more places for a mistake in my opinion.
Chemistry - Priscilla, Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 11:11pm
ok thank you very much

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