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).
Lunghezza d'Onda
0.000000656096 m
Wavelength vs Lower Level (n1)
Formula
## 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).
Esempio Risolto
H-alpha line: n1 = 2 to n2 = 3 (Balmer series).
- 011/lambda = R * (1/4 - 1/9)
- 021/4 - 1/9 = 5/36 = 0.1389
- 031/lambda = 1.0974e7 * 0.1389 = 1.524e6 m^-1
- 04lambda = 6.563e-7 m = 656.3 nm (red)
Domande Frequenti
Why does hydrogen produce discrete spectral lines?
Because electron energy levels are quantised. Only specific energy differences are allowed, producing photons at discrete wavelengths.
What is the Balmer series?
Transitions ending at n = 2. These fall in the visible spectrum: H-alpha (656 nm, red), H-beta (486 nm, blue-green), H-gamma (434 nm, violet).
Does this formula work for other elements?
For hydrogen-like ions (one electron), multiply R_H by Z^2. For multi-electron atoms, the Rydberg formula does not apply directly.
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