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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Mark S 2014 on October 01, 2014, 10:35:08 AM

Title: Rydberg Equation
Post by: Mark S 2014 on October 01, 2014, 10:35:08 AM

Question: The emission spectrum of Hydrogen contains lines at the following frequencies 2.466, 2.923, 3.083 and 3.157 x10^15 Hz. Show that all lines fit the rydberg equation for frequency.

I know that these frequencies imply that this is the Lyman series, so N1 must be 1 in each case. I can't think of a way to find out how to prove these lines all fit the equation.

Any help would be much appreciated !

Title: Re: Rydberg Equation
Post by: mjc123 on October 01, 2014, 11:20:30 AM

Calculate the quantities (1-1/n²) where n = 2,3 4... Plot a graph with these values on the x axis and your frequencies on the y axis. Show that they fall on a straight line through the origin. Use the slope to calculate the Rydberg constant and compare with tabulated value.

Title: Re: Rydberg Equation
Post by: Mark S 2014 on October 01, 2014, 01:03:57 PM

Much appreciated, thanks alot.