Hydrogen Spectrum: Blue Line w/ 434nm Wavelength

In summary, the blue line in the hydrogen spectrum represents a specific wavelength of light unique to hydrogen, providing evidence for discrete energy levels in atoms. The spectrum is produced by passing an electric current through hydrogen gas, causing electrons to jump between energy levels and emit light. The blue line is the most prominent due to its common and stable transition between the second and third energy levels. This supports the wave-particle duality of light and has various applications in science and technology, including astronomy, chemistry, and hydrogen fuel cells. It has also helped develop spectroscopy techniques for analyzing other elements and compounds.
  • #1
Cudi1
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Homework Statement


The hydrogen spectrum contains a blue line with a wavelength of 434nm. Photons of blue light are emitted when hydrogen's electron drops from the fifth energy level to a lower energy level. What is the lower energy level?


Homework Equations


1/wavelength = R [ 1/n2^2 - 1/n1^2]


The Attempt at a Solution


1/(4.34*10-7m)= (1.097 x 10^7 m^-1) [1/n2^2 - 1/5^2]
2,304,147/(1.097*10^7) = 1/n2^2-0.04
0.21n2^2=1
n2=2.182
thus i found that the lower energy level is 2 , is this correct ?
 
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  • #2
Yes, if n2 = 2 it's called Balmer series and this is the only series that falls in the visible spectrum.
 

1. What is the significance of the blue line in the hydrogen spectrum?

The blue line in the hydrogen spectrum corresponds to a specific wavelength of light, 434nm. This wavelength is unique to hydrogen and is a result of the electron transition between the second and third energy levels. This line is important because it provides evidence for the existence of discrete energy levels in atoms and also helps to identify and study the properties of hydrogen gas.

2. How is the hydrogen spectrum produced?

The hydrogen spectrum is produced when an electric current is passed through a tube containing hydrogen gas. This causes the electrons in the hydrogen atoms to absorb energy and jump to higher energy levels. When these electrons return to their original energy level, they release the absorbed energy in the form of light. The different energy levels and transitions between them produce distinct lines in the spectrum.

3. Why is the blue line the most prominent in the hydrogen spectrum?

The blue line is the most prominent in the hydrogen spectrum because the transition between the second and third energy levels is the most common and stable for hydrogen atoms. This results in a higher number of electrons undergoing this transition and emitting light at a wavelength of 434nm. Additionally, the energy difference between these two levels is such that the emitted light falls in the visible range, making it easily observable.

4. How does the hydrogen spectrum support the wave-particle duality of light?

The hydrogen spectrum provides evidence for the wave-particle duality of light by demonstrating the discrete nature of energy levels in atoms. The distinct lines in the spectrum correspond to specific energy transitions, indicating that energy is quantized and not continuous. This supports the particle-like behavior of light, where it is emitted and absorbed in discrete packets of energy, known as photons.

5. What other applications does the hydrogen spectrum have in science and technology?

The hydrogen spectrum has various applications in science and technology. It is used in astronomy to identify the composition of stars and other celestial bodies. In chemistry, it is used to study the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. In technology, it is utilized in hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen gas into electricity. Additionally, the hydrogen spectrum has also been used to develop spectroscopy techniques for analyzing other elements and compounds.

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