How Can Wavelengths Help Determine the Constant A in Absorption Spectra?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the constant A in the energy level equation of an atom using absorption wavelengths of 97.5 nm and 102.8 nm. The energy of the absorbed photons is calculated using the formula E_n = hc/λ, which relates wavelength to energy. It is suggested to write two equations for the two wavelengths and solve for A and the quantum number n, assuming transitions from n to n=1. The relationship indicates that smaller wavelengths correspond to higher energy transitions. Ultimately, the method relies on calculating the energies associated with the given wavelengths to derive the value of A.
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An atom has energy levels En=-\frac{A}{n^2} where n is an integer and A is a constant.
Among the spectral lines that the atom can absorb at room temperature are two
adjacent lines with wavelengths 97.5 nm and 102.8 nm. Find the value of the constant
A in electron volts.

Initially I thought we can equate the coulomb force to the centripetal force but we are not told the atomic number or atom. Totally no clue, how is the wavelength useful when you do not know what atom it is?
 
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Energy of the photon absorbed or emitted is given by

E_n = \frac{hc}{\lambda} = A(1 - \frac{1}{n^2})

Smaller wave length will have larger energy.

Write down two equations for two wavelength and solve them to find A and n.
 
We can assume transition from n quantum state to n=1?
 
Since the spectral lines that the atom can absorb at room temperature are two
adjacent lines with wavelengths 97.5 nm and 102.8 nm, you have to find energies of
E_n and E_{n+1} with respect to the ground state.
 
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