Investigating Helium Ion's Wavelength Transition

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the wavelength transition of the helium ion (He+) in relation to the Hα line, specifically its wavelength of 6562.8 Å. The key equation used is the Rydberg formula: 1/λ = R(1/nf2 - 1/ni2), where λ represents the wavelength, R is the Rydberg constant, and nf and ni are the final and initial energy levels, respectively. Participants suggest experimenting with different combinations of natural numbers for nf and ni to determine the transition states and compare the resulting wavelength to that of the Hα line.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Rydberg formula for hydrogen-like ions
  • Familiarity with quantum numbers and energy levels in atomic physics
  • Knowledge of the Balmer series and its significance in spectroscopy
  • Basic skills in algebra to manipulate equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the Rydberg formula for helium ions and its applications
  • Research the differences between hydrogen and helium ion transitions
  • Investigate the Balmer series and its implications in spectroscopy
  • Learn about quantum mechanics principles related to atomic transitions
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying atomic structure and spectroscopy, as well as anyone interested in the behavior of helium ions in quantum mechanics.

matpo39
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here is the question I am stuck on:
Radiation from a helium ion He+ is nearly equal to the wavelength to the [tex]H_\alpha[/tex] line (the first line of the Balmer series). (a) Between what states (values of n) does the transition in the helium ion occur? (b) is the wavelength greater or smaller than that of the [tex]H_\alpha[/tex] line?

my first attempt to solve this was to use the eqation

[tex]\frac{1}{\lambda}=R(\frac{1}{n_f^2}-\frac{1}{n_i^2})[/tex]

and i would set [tex]\lambda = 6562.8 \AA[/tex]the wave length of [tex]H_\alpha[/tex] but i still can't solve for because both of the states are unknown. anyone have any suggestions on this?

thanks
 
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You know that [itex]n_f[/itex] and [itex]n_i[/itex] both have to be natural numbers (1,2,3,...). You can start by trying combinations.
 

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