Find the wavelengths Kα, Kβ , Lα and Lβ from elemental Cu

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the wavelengths of the characteristic Kα, Kβ, Lα, and Lβ x-rays emitted from copper, with a focus on using the Rydberg constant adjusted for the reduced mass of elemental copper.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the Rydberg formula and question the choice of quantum numbers used in the calculations. There is also inquiry about the atomic number (Z) used in the formula.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the values used in the calculations and expressing confusion over discrepancies in the results. Suggestions for re-evaluating the chosen quantum numbers and constants have been made.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that no relevant equations were provided initially, and there is a hint to use the Rydberg formula, which may lead to varying interpretations of the problem setup.

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Homework Statement


Problem: "What are the wavelengths of the characteristic Kα, Kβ , Lα and Lβ x-rays emitted from copper? Remember to use a Rydberg constant with the reduced mass correction made for elemental copper."

Givens:
Energy levels given:

Kα (2,1)

Kβ (3, 1)

Lα (3, 2)

Lβ (4, 2)​

Prompt and energy levels here: https://imgur.com/ygtSCWx

Homework Equations



No relevant equations were provided for this assignment. The prompt hinted to use the Rydberg formula, but since I took into account the mass correction for elemental copper was made. I used the following equation:

1/λ=RZ^2((1/n^2)−(1/n^2))

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
For LB (2,1), here is how I calculated the wavelength.

1/λ=RZ^2((1/n^2)−(1/n^2)) = (1.09737*10^7) * ((1/2^2) - (1/4^2))

λ = 0.14 nm

However, WebAssign has marked this wrong. Any suggestions?
 
Last edited:
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Why did you use 2 and 4 for the n values? What value did you use for Z?
 
mjc123 said:
Why did you use 2 and 4 for the n values? What value did you use for Z?
Sorry, meant to say Lβ (4, 2) .For Z, I used 29.
 
How did you get such wildly different numbers for the 4 lines (including one negative)?
 

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