[jehu3]

Just a simple question.  I've looked on google and checked the text but not finding a 'clear' answer.

In the Balmer-Rydberg equation

1/wavelength = R [1/m^2 - 1/n^2], I'm wondering what the m and n stand for.   From what I gather, n is the energy but I'm not sure.

I know how to solve these equations, but I'm interested in knowing what the numbers I'm plugging in actually mean.  I have an exam coming up and want to understand everything as thoroughly as possible.

Thanks

[Yggdrasil]

m and n represent the principal quantum numbers of the orbitals of the transition (i.e. the energy levels).  For example, to calculate the energy needed to promote an electron from the 1st energy level to the 4th energy level, n=4 and m=1.