Calculate Wavelength of 6th Line in Balmer Series

In summary, the problem asks to compute the wavelength of the sixth line in the hydrogen Balmer series to three significant figures. Using the Balmer formula with the given Rydberg constant, the calculated wavelength is 410.070 nm or 4.10 x 10^-7 m. However, the mistake was made in identifying the sixth line as the sixth quantum level, when it actually refers to the sixth observed line. Once this was corrected, the correct answer was obtained.
  • #1
JJK1503
12
0

Homework Statement



Compute to three significant figures the wavelength of the sixth line in the hydrogen Balmer series.

Homework Equations



1 / lambda = R * ( 1/ n_final^2 - 1 / n_initial^2 )
R = Rydberg constant = 10973731.57 m^-1
lambda = wavelength

The Attempt at a Solution



I set up the Balmer formula I listed above given the info in the problem

1 / lambda = (10973731.57 m^-1) * ( 1/ 2^2 - 1 / 6^2 ) = 1 / 2438607.015555 m^-1

so, lambda = 410.070 nm
or 4.10 x 10^-7 m using 3 sig figs as the question asks for.

Not sure what I am doing wrong. This seems right to me, but it is not.

Any help is appreciated.
 
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  • #2
JJK1503 said:

Homework Statement



Compute to three significant figures the wavelength of the sixth line in the hydrogen Balmer series.

Homework Equations



1 / lambda = R * ( 1/ n_final^2 - 1 / n_initial^2 )
R = Rydberg constant = 10973731.57 m^-1
lambda = wavelength

The Attempt at a Solution



I set up the Balmer formula I listed above given the info in the problem

1 / lambda = (10973731.57 m^-1) * ( 1/ 2^2 - 1 / 6^2 ) = 1 / 2438607.015555 m^-1

so, lambda = 410.070 nm
or 4.10 x 10^-7 m using 3 sig figs as the question asks for.

Not sure what I am doing wrong. This seems right to me, but it is not.

Any help is appreciated.

The sixth line means the sixth observed line.

Here are the transisitons:
n_i --> n_f
3--> 2 (first line)
4--> 2 (second line)
5--> 2 (third line)
...
Which is the sixth line?
 
  • #3
Quantum Defect said:
The sixth line means the sixth observed line.

Here are the transisitons:
n_i --> n_f
3--> 2 (first line)
4--> 2 (second line)
5--> 2 (third line)
...
Which is the sixth line?

And the hand meets the forehead...
It states the 6th line of the Balmer series not the sixth quantum level.
Thank you for your help, I had a feeling it was something simple.
 
  • #4
JJK1503 said:
And the hand meets the forehead...
It states the 6th line of the Balmer series not the sixth quantum level.
Thank you for your help, I had a feeling it was something simple.

We have all done things like this. :wink:
 

1. How is the wavelength of the 6th line in the Balmer series calculated?

The wavelength of the 6th line in the Balmer series can be calculated using the Rydberg formula, which is 1/λ = R(1/4 - 1/n2), where λ is the wavelength, R is the Rydberg constant, and n is the energy level of the electron.

2. What is the significance of the 6th line in the Balmer series?

The 6th line in the Balmer series corresponds to the transition of an electron from the 6th energy level to the 2nd energy level in a hydrogen atom. This transition results in the emission of a photon with a specific wavelength, which can be used to study the energy levels of atoms.

3. How does the wavelength of the 6th line in the Balmer series compare to the other lines?

The wavelength of the 6th line in the Balmer series is longer than the first four lines, but shorter than the 5th line. This is due to the fact that the energy levels of an atom are closer together as the energy increases, resulting in smaller differences in wavelength between the lines.

4. Is the wavelength of the 6th line in the Balmer series affected by external factors?

The wavelength of the 6th line in the Balmer series is primarily determined by the energy levels of hydrogen, so it is not significantly affected by external factors. However, factors such as temperature and pressure can slightly alter the wavelength due to their impact on the energy levels of the atom.

5. How is the Balmer series used in scientific research?

The Balmer series is often used in spectroscopy to study the energy levels of atoms and molecules. By analyzing the wavelengths of the lines in the series, scientists can determine the composition and structure of substances. This information is used in various fields, such as astronomy, chemistry, and materials science.

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