How Does Electron Transition Calculate Atomic Energy Levels and Ionization?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of atomic energy levels and ionization energies for hydrogen and other ions, focusing on electron transitions and the associated formulas. Participants explore the application of the Rydberg formula and the implications of specific transitions on energy calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Stephen presents a formula for calculating energy transitions and attempts to find the energy required to remove an electron from a hydrogen atom, suggesting values for both a single atom and a mole of hydrogen.
  • Stephen also attempts to calculate the atomic number (Z) for an ion based on a specific transition wavelength, proposing values of 4.5 or 5.
  • Mark acknowledges Stephen's calculations for the hydrogen atom and mole but points out a potential error in the expression used for calculating Z, suggesting the correct form should involve a difference of reciprocals rather than a difference of squares.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of using proper notation, suggesting that clarity in mathematical expressions is crucial to avoid confusion.
  • There is a discussion about the correct formulation of the energy transition equation, with some participants arguing for the necessity of maintaining the correct mathematical structure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is partial agreement on the calculations related to hydrogen, but disagreement exists regarding the correct formulation for calculating Z, with participants highlighting different interpretations of the equations involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correct mathematical expressions and the implications of those expressions on the calculated values. The discussion reflects a need for clarity in notation and the potential for errors in the application of formulas.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of atomic physics, particularly those interested in energy levels, electron transitions, and the mathematical formulations used in these calculations.

StephenDoty
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E of nlow to nhigh= -2.178*10^-18 * Z^2/nhigh^2 - nlow^2

find the energy needed to remove an electron completely from a hydrogen atom and the energy needed to remove one mol of electrons from one mol of hydrogen atoms

Z= 1 nhigh= infinity nlow=1

E = 2.178*10^-18 J
one mole of electrons = 2.178*10^-18 * 6.022*10^23 = 1.312*10^6 J/mol
Are these right??

And use the above formula to find the value of Z for an ion whose 2 to 1 transition is associated with a wavelength of 13.4nm.

lamba of 2 to 1= hc/(2.178*10^-18 * Z^2/nhigh^2 - nlow^2)
z=sqrt(hc(nhigh^2-nlow^2)/(13.4*10^-9)(2.178*10^-18))
Z= 4.5
or 5
Is this right??

Thank you guys so much for your help.
Stephen
 
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StephenDoty said:
E of nlow to nhigh= -2.178*10^-18 * Z^2/nhigh^2 - nlow^2

Try to use TEX or at least brackets, it doesn't look OK at the moment.
 
Hello Stephen,

Looks good on the single hydrogen atom and mole-of-hydrogen question.

But it looks like there's an error somewhere in the Z question. The correct answer is very close to an integer.

I think the problem is with the expressions you are writing. There should be a term

( 1/nhigh^2 - 1/nlow^2 )​

but instead you have

nhigh^2 - nlow^2​

?

Regards,

Mark

p.s. Borek is correct, it's better to at least use brackets (parantheses) to express things properly and avoid confusion.
 
Z^2/nhigh^2 - nlow^2
is the same thing as z^2*(1/nhigh^2 - 1/nlow^2)
 
Okay, but in your expression

z = sqrt(...)​

it has mysteriously become, literally,

(nhigh^2-nlow^2)​

and that is wrong.

Try keeping it as

(1/nhigh^2 - 1/nlow^2)​

Also, you might find it easier to figure out what the energy is for 13.4 nm, and then work with the energy equation (1st equation of your 1st post).
 

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