Rydberg Constant: What Does Re Refer To?

Thread starter g.lemaitre
Start date Aug 18, 2012
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Constant

In summary, the Rydberg constant, denoted by the symbol Re, is a physical constant that appears in the Rydberg formula used to describe the wavelengths of spectral lines of many chemical elements. It refers to Johannes Rydberg, a Swedish physicist who first proposed the formula for calculating the wavelengths of spectral lines of hydrogen atoms. The Rydberg constant is calculated by dividing the energy difference between the two energy levels of a hydrogen atom by the product of the Planck constant, speed of light, and the fine-structure constant. It is significant in understanding the atomic structure and energy levels of atoms and allows for the precise determination of spectral lines, which is important in astronomy and chemistry. The value of the Rydberg constant is

Aug 18, 2012

g.lemaitre

what does Re refer to? I think it refers to the Rydberg constant. In any case, what do you do with it. It would be nice if the book would actually come up with some problems using this constant.

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Aug 18, 2012

Dickfore

Real part of a complex number

Aug 18, 2012

g.lemaitre

thanks

1. What is the Rydberg constant?

The Rydberg constant, denoted by the symbol R_e, is a physical constant that appears in the Rydberg formula used to describe the wavelengths of spectral lines of many chemical elements.

2. What does the "Re" in Rydberg constant refer to?

The "Re" in Rydberg constant refers to Johannes Rydberg, a Swedish physicist who first proposed the formula for calculating the wavelengths of spectral lines of hydrogen atoms.

3. How is the Rydberg constant calculated?

The Rydberg constant is calculated by dividing the energy difference between the two energy levels of a hydrogen atom by the product of the Planck constant, speed of light, and the fine-structure constant. It is also related to the ionization energy of hydrogen.

4. What is the significance of the Rydberg constant?

The Rydberg constant is significant because it helps in the understanding of the atomic structure and energy levels of atoms. It also allows for the precise determination of the spectral lines of various elements, which is important in fields like astronomy and chemistry.

5. What is the value of the Rydberg constant?

The value of the Rydberg constant is approximately 10973731.568508 per meter (m^-1). This is a fundamental constant and does not change, making it an important tool in various fields of science.