Calculating Wavelengths & Energy Levels of Hydrogen Atom

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wavelengths and energy levels of the hydrogen atom using the formula 1/lambda = 1.096776 x 10^-2 ((1/n2^2) - (1/n1^2)) nm^-1. Participants calculated the wavelengths for the first two lines in the Balmer series, H-alpha and H-beta, which correspond to transitions to level n=2. Additionally, the energy required to elevate an electron from the ground state to level 2 was determined to be 10.2 eV. The highest excitation level achievable by electrons with 12.9 eV energy was identified, along with the longest wavelength for subsequent transitions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Balmer series in hydrogen atom transitions
  • Familiarity with the Rydberg formula for wavelength calculations
  • Knowledge of energy levels in quantum mechanics
  • Basic principles of electron excitation in atomic physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Rydberg formula for hydrogen and its applications in spectroscopy
  • Learn about quantum mechanics and energy level transitions in atoms
  • Explore the concept of electron excitation and ionization energies
  • Investigate the Balmer series and its significance in astrophysics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and anyone interested in the quantum mechanics of hydrogen atom transitions.

HjGanap
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



the wavelengths of the emission lines produced by the hydrogen atom are given by the formula:

1/lambda = 1.096776 x 10^-2 ((1/n2^2) - (1/n1^2)) nm^-1

(a) what are the wavelengths of the first two lines in the Balmer series, H-alpha and H-beta (involving transitions to level n=2) ?

(b) calculate the energy in eV required to raise an electron from the ground state to level 2.

(c) electrons of energy 12.9 eV are fired at H atoms in a gas discharge tube. if initially all the atoms are in the ground state, what is the highest level to which the electrons in the atom can be excited? what is the longest wavelength of the possible level transitions that may then follow?

Homework Equations



as mentioned above

The Attempt at a Solution



by using data from energy-level diagram, but, confused which 1 to use for the values of n.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
(a)
Since these are emission lines, the electron goes from a higher n1 to a lower n2. The lower n2, as it says, is 2.
 

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
990
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K