Hydrogen Spectrum Calculator

Calculate the wavelength of a spectral line of hydrogen using the Rydberg formula: 1/lambda = R * (1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2).

Wavelength

0.000000656096 m

Wavelength (nm)656.0962 nm
Photon Energy1.888889 eV

Wavelength vs Lower Level (n1)

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Formule

## Hydrogen Spectral Lines (Rydberg Formula) When an electron transitions between energy levels in hydrogen, it emits or absorbs a photon with a specific wavelength. ### Formula **1/lambda = R_H * (1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2)** - *R_H* = 1.0974 x 10^7 m^-1 (Rydberg constant) - *n1* = lower energy level - *n2* = upper energy level (n2 > n1) Series: Lyman (n1=1, UV), Balmer (n1=2, visible), Paschen (n1=3, IR).

Exemple Résolu

H-alpha line: n1 = 2 to n2 = 3 (Balmer series).

  1. 011/lambda = R * (1/4 - 1/9)
  2. 021/4 - 1/9 = 5/36 = 0.1389
  3. 031/lambda = 1.0974e7 * 0.1389 = 1.524e6 m^-1
  4. 04lambda = 6.563e-7 m = 656.3 nm (red)