Why Distance Between Lines of Hydrogen Spectrum Decreases

In summary, the distance between lines of the hydrogen spectrum decreases even though the distance between the shells of Hydrogen increases as we go to higher shells. This can be explained by the equation r=Ɛn2h2/πme where m is the mass of the electron, e is the charge on the electron, h is Planck's constant, and n is the principle quantum number. This formula shows that as n increases, the distance between shells also increases. However, when looking at the hydrogen spectrum (shown in the referenced figure), it appears that the distances between the lines actually decrease as the energy levels increase. This discrepancy may be due to incorrect labeling in the figure.
  • #1
Ali Asadullah
99
0
Why distances between lines of hydrogen spectrum decreases even though the distance between the shells of Hydrogen increases as we go to higher shells?

r=Ɛn2h2/πme

where
m=mass of electron,
e=charge on electron
h=planck's constant
n=principle quantum number
r=radius of hydrogen atom

This formula shows that the distance between the shells increases with the increase in Principle Quantum number.
Then why the distances between lines of hydrogen spectrum decreases?
 
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  • #2
Ali Asadullah said:
Why distances between lines of hydrogen spectrum decreases even though the distance between the shells of Hydrogen increases as we go to higher shells?
Here's a picture showing the hydrogen spectrum:

http://web.stteresa.edu.hk/~kfyuen/s6spectrum2.jpg

Can you carefully explain the trend again using the picture as reference?
 
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  • #3
Gokul43201 said:
Here's a picture showing the hydrogen spectrum:

http://web.stteresa.edu.hk/~kfyuen/s6spectrum2.jpg

Can you carefully explain the trend again using the picture as reference?

Whoops .. I think those labels are wrong! The H-atom spectra is the line spectrum on the bottom.

:wink:
 
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  • #4
Yes, there's definitely something wrong with that figure!

Back to the OP - please post a link to the figure you are using and rewrite your question specifically in the context of the figure.
 

What is the hydrogen spectrum?

The hydrogen spectrum is the collection of all the different wavelengths of light emitted or absorbed by an atom of hydrogen. It is unique to hydrogen because it has only one electron, making it the simplest element to study.

How is the hydrogen spectrum produced?

The hydrogen spectrum is produced when the electrons in a hydrogen atom move between energy levels. When an electron moves from a higher energy level to a lower one, it emits a photon of light. The energy of the photon determines the wavelength of light that is emitted, creating the distinct lines of the hydrogen spectrum.

Why does the distance between lines of the hydrogen spectrum decrease?

The distance between lines of the hydrogen spectrum decreases because the energy levels of the electrons in a hydrogen atom are not evenly spaced. As the electron moves closer to the nucleus, the energy levels become more tightly packed, causing the wavelengths of light emitted to be closer together.

What factors affect the distance between lines of the hydrogen spectrum?

The distance between lines of the hydrogen spectrum is primarily affected by the energy levels of the electrons in the atom. However, other factors such as the strength of the electric field and the presence of other atoms or molecules nearby can also influence the spacing of the lines.

Why is the decreasing distance between lines of the hydrogen spectrum important?

The decreasing distance between lines of the hydrogen spectrum is important because it provides valuable information about the energy levels and structure of the hydrogen atom. By studying the hydrogen spectrum, scientists have been able to make significant discoveries about the fundamental laws of physics and the behavior of matter at the atomic level.

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