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tryingtolearn1
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- Lyman wavelength
I am learning about the hydrogen atom and in my book it discusses the Lyman-##\alpha## wavelength and I am wondering in what region in the spectrum is the Lyman-##\alpha## for hydrogen?
Concur. This pictures from right to left the visible Balmer series of Hydrogen:vanhees71 said:I think it's UV. The visible part of the spectrum (##\lambda## between about 400 and 800 nm) is the Balmer series, i.e., transitions between ##n>2## and ##n=2## hydron energy states.
The Lyman-##\alpha## wavelength is a specific wavelength of light that is emitted by hydrogen atoms when their electrons transition from the n=2 energy level to the n=1 energy level. It falls within the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum and has a wavelength of approximately 121.6 nanometers.
The Lyman-##\alpha## wavelength is important because it is a key component in understanding the structure of atoms and the behavior of light. It was first observed by Theodore Lyman in 1906 and played a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics and the Bohr model of the atom.
The Lyman-##\alpha## wavelength can be calculated using the Rydberg formula, which is given by 1/λ = R(1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2), where λ is the wavelength, R is the Rydberg constant, and n1 and n2 are the initial and final energy levels, respectively. For the Lyman-##\alpha## transition, n1=2 and n2=1.
The Lyman-##\alpha## wavelength is primarily associated with hydrogen atoms, but other elements can also exhibit this wavelength under certain conditions. For example, deuterium (an isotope of hydrogen) and helium can emit Lyman-##\alpha## radiation in the laboratory or in astrophysical environments.
The Lyman-##\alpha## wavelength is used in astronomy to study the composition and physical properties of distant objects in the universe. By analyzing the Lyman-##\alpha## emission from galaxies, stars, and interstellar gas, scientists can gain insights into the formation and evolution of these objects.