What is the significance of inverse meters in astronomy calculations?

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Inverse meters are crucial in astronomy calculations, particularly when using Rydberg's constant, which is expressed in this unit. It signifies a measurement per meter, specifically 1/109737361.6 m. When applying the equation 1/lambda = R (1/nf^2 - 1/ni^2), the constant R should be multiplied by the fraction derived from the energy levels. After this multiplication, the result should be reciprocated to find the wavelength. Understanding inverse meters is essential for accurate wavelength calculations in spectroscopy.
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Hi,
I'm doing some astronomy work and one problem involves using Rydberg's constant. However, it is inverse meters and I'm confused. Does that mean that it is 1/109737361.6 m? Thanks.
 
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Yes - it just means per metre.
 
Last edited:
mgb_phys said:
Yes - it just means per metre.

Okay so if I have the 1/lambda = R (1/nf^2 - 1/ni^2) equation, how would I go about plugging it in? Is it any different than plugging in any other numbers?
 
after you multiply R by the fraction,
you probably want to reciprocate the result (1/x)
to obtain the wavelength.
 

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