# Homework Help: Determining ΔE and λ of an Electron Transition

1. Nov 2, 2009

### Chandasouk

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A hydrogen atom with its electron in the n = 6 energy level emits a photon of the infrared light. Calculate the change in energy of the atom and the wavelength of the photon.

Using Rydberg's equation, the change in energy is 1.82 x 10^-19J

But I do not understand why the change of energy is positive

Wouldn't $$\Delta$$E = -2.18 x 10^-18J (1/9 - 1/36) = -1.82 x 10^-19J ?

2. Nov 2, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

Re: Determining $$\Delta$$E and $$\lambda$$ of an Electron Transition

What do you calculate using Rydberg's formula?

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methods

3. Nov 2, 2009

### Chandasouk

Re: Determining $$\Delta$$E and $$\lambda$$ of an Electron Transition

position and wavelength of any line in a given series

4. Nov 2, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

Re: Determining $$\Delta$$E and $$\lambda$$ of an Electron Transition

Wavelength... let's make it energy of the emitted photon, OK?

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methods