How to Calculate the Brackett Series in Excel?

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To calculate the wavelengths of hydrogen atom transitions in the Brackett series using Excel, it's essential to correctly reference cell addresses, using absolute references for constants like R. The user attempted to use variable references incorrectly, which led to confusion in the formulas. The correct value for n0 should be 4, not 5, and the use of n-1 in the formula represents n' as per the Rydberg formula. Clarification is needed on whether n' is a fixed value, as it appears to remain constant in the context provided. Proper formula setup and understanding of the variables are crucial for accurate calculations.
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Homework Statement



I want to produce a simple Excel sheet to calculate the wavelengths of H atom transitions and calculate, in nm, the first 4 lines of the Brackett series.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Attempt at Excel sheet attached.
 

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There is so much wrong here, I don't know where to start! You need to read up about using formulas in Excel.

For one thing, there are no "variables", but rather cell addresses. For example, to use the value of R, which you put in cell C2, you need to reference it with $C$2 (the dollar signs mean that neither C nor 2 will change when you copy the cell, it is an absolute address). Another example, in G4, to use the value of n, you reference $E4. There is no dollar sign in front of the 4 because you want the formula in G5 to read $E5 instead.

Also, why do you take n0 as 5? Why do you have a n-1 in the formula?
 
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DrClaude said:
Also, why do you take n0 as 5? Why do you have a n-1 in the formula?

n0 should be 4.

I used n-1 in the formula to represent n' as in the Rydberg formula. n' being 1 less than n.
 
But isn't n' a fixed value? looking at the table in bottom right.. n' = 4 doesn't change does it.
 
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