Understanding Rydberg's Constant: What Do R(sub)H and R(sub)infinity Represent?

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In summary, Rydberg's Constant is a physical constant denoted by R_H that appears in the Rydberg formula for the wavelengths of spectral lines of hydrogen. Its accepted value is 1.0973731568508(5) x 10^7 m^-1, and it is used in the mathematical equation 1/λ = R_H (1/n_1^2 - 1/n_2^2) to predict the wavelengths of spectral lines. Rydberg's Constant is significant in fields such as astronomy and chemistry, and it also played a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics. While it is primarily applicable to hydrogen, it can also be used for other elements with one electron.
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Astronomer1
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1. Rydberg's Constant: what's the difference between R (sub) infinity & R (sub) H?



2. R (sub) H = -2.1799x10^-18 J | R (sub) infinity = 1.0974x10^7 1/m (m = meters)



3. No attempt to solve the Q yet; I don't know what's the difference between the two? What do these 2 stand for?
 
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This is a question about the definitions of symbols - have you tried looking them up?
 

1. What is Rydberg's Constant?

Rydberg's Constant, denoted by RH, is a physical constant that appears in the Rydberg formula for the wavelengths of spectral lines of hydrogen. It is named after the Swedish physicist Johannes Rydberg who first derived the formula in 1888.

2. What is the value of Rydberg's Constant?

The accepted value of Rydberg's Constant is RH = 1.0973731568508(5) x 107 m-1, with an uncertainty of 0.000000000008 x 107 m-1. This value is based on the currently accepted value of the speed of light, Planck's constant, and the charge of an electron.

3. What is Rydberg's formula?

Rydberg's formula is a mathematical equation that relates the wavelengths of spectral lines of hydrogen to the Rydberg constant. It is given by 1/λ = RH (1/n12 - 1/n22), where λ is the wavelength, n1 and n2 are integers representing the energy levels of the electron, and RH is Rydberg's constant.

4. What is the significance of Rydberg's Constant?

Rydberg's Constant is significant because it allows us to accurately predict the wavelengths of spectral lines of hydrogen. This is important in fields such as astronomy and chemistry, where spectral analysis is used to identify elements and molecules. It also played a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics and the understanding of atomic structure.

5. Is Rydberg's Constant only applicable to hydrogen?

No, Rydberg's Constant can also be used to calculate the wavelengths of spectral lines of other elements with one electron, such as helium and lithium. However, for elements with more than one electron, different versions of the Rydberg formula are used with modified values of Rydberg's Constant.

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