Can some clarify what exactly n is ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "n" in the context of spectroscopy, specifically related to the diffraction of light from hydrogen and sodium. Participants explore the meaning of "n" in various equations and its implications for understanding energy levels and diffraction patterns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the meaning of "n" in the context of energy levels and diffraction, suggesting it relates to excitation states and energy transitions.
  • Another participant proposes that "n" represents the image number in diffraction, indicating progressively weaker images as "n" increases.
  • Some participants suggest that "n" corresponds to the number of wavelengths, linking it to the equation nλ=dsinθ and the distance of the grating.
  • One participant clarifies that "n" is the order of diffraction, with specific references to first, second, and higher orders, noting the increasing difficulty in identifying higher orders.
  • A later reply questions the meaning of "weaker" maxima and seeks clarification on the relationship between energy drops, colors, and the order of spectra observed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the interpretation of "n," with no consensus reached on its precise definition or implications in the context of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the relationship between energy levels, colors, and the visibility of individual spectra as "n" increases. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the role of "n" in diffraction and spectroscopy.

GreenAce92
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This is probably really sad that I am posting about this.

I am doing my Modern Lab on Spectroscopy of Hydrogen and Sodium.

I am confused on what exactly n is.

We used this apparatus which spun on a 360degree vernier scale, we were able to view the 4 wavelengths of Hydrogen twice and the doublets of Sodium also twice.

I do not completely understand what n is.

From my understanding which may be incorrect the different colors of light viewed are a result of different excitation states? going from one energy level to the next?

So on a diagram you see an increasing E and increasing n you see the eV increase.
But on a diffraction setting, n is the location of occurrences of maxima/minima right?

So... I'm not sure what exactly it means with the equation nλ=dsinθ

I mean, one order you can see the four visible light (red, blue, violet, violet) and then the next order you can see them again?

Yeah please enlighten me.
 
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It sounds like n is the image number, counting out from zero diffraction. You'll get progressively weaker images for n=1, 2, 3...
 
isnt n the number of wavelengths? and so basically the (# of wavelengths)*(wavelength) = d*sin(theta) distance of the grating
 
jedishrfu said:
isnt n the number of wavelengths? and so basically the (# of wavelengths)*(wavelength) = d*sin(theta) distance of the grating

I think we're saying the same thing. The nth image arises because it involves reinforcement of crests n wavelengths apart.
 
Hi. n is order of diffraction.
First order n=1 corresponds to smallest diffraction angle. Very clear
Second order n=2 corresponds to the second diffraction angle. Still clear
Third ... Not so clear.
Fourth ... Difficult to identify or so.

Expression is just to give you rough way it goes. When many wave trains are concerned to explain difference of distance light go, the effect is less dramatic than only one train is involved.

See http://map.ua.edu/resources/edlisfraedi/atomic_spectra.pdf

Regards.
 
Wait so what do you mean by "weaker" as in the maxima?

Also what is the difference between the energy drops/colors/order?

So from 1 n value to the next I should still expect to see the individual spectra right? (red/yellow)
 

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