Question #118606
What is the wavelength of the photon emitted by a hydrogen atom when a bound electron in the n = 3 state makes the transition to the n = 2 state? (to 2 s.f in nm)
1
Expert's answer
2020-05-28T13:16:24-0400

We may use the Rydberg formula (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rydberg_formula):

1λ=R(1n121n22).\dfrac1\lambda = R\left( \dfrac{1}{n_1^2}-\dfrac{1}{n_2^2}\right). Here R1.097107m1.R\approx 1.097\cdot 10^7 \,\mathrm{m}^{-1}.

In our case n1=2,n2=3.n_1 =2, \, n_2 = 3. Therefore,

1λ=1.097107(122132)λ=6.563107m=656.3nm.\dfrac1\lambda = 1.097\cdot10^7\left( \dfrac{1}{2^2}-\dfrac{1}{3^2}\right) \Rightarrow \lambda = 6.563\cdot10^{-7}\,\mathrm{m} = 656.3\,\mathrm{nm}.

Such a line is called Balmer-α\alpha or Hα.\mathrm{H}_{\alpha}.


Need a fast expert's response?

Submit order

and get a quick answer at the best price

for any assignment or question with DETAILED EXPLANATIONS!

Comments

No comments. Be the first!
LATEST TUTORIALS
APPROVED BY CLIENTS