Spectral lines and energy levels

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the energy of a photon corresponding to line D in a spectral emission spectrum from a hydrogen-like atom. The spectral lines result from electron transitions from higher to lower energy levels, specifically from excited states to the first excited state. The Rydberg formula is used to identify the transitions for each line, with line C at 48.214nm serving as a reference. The user initially struggled with the problem but gained clarity on the transitions and successfully understood the concepts involved. The discussion concludes with the user expressing satisfaction after resolving their confusion.
Pika007
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Homework Statement


In the spectrum depicted bellow (see added picture) are spectral lines which resulted from emissions of a photon due to an electron decaying from a higher to a lower orbital in a Hydrogen-like atom (meaning- only one electron. No details about the nucleus)
All lines in the given spectrum are a result of an electron decaying for an excited state to the first excited state. The wavelength of line C is 48.214nm, Calculate the energy of a photon co-responding to line D.


Homework Equations



v=c/f
E(ph)= hv
Reidberg's equation (too complicated to type in)

The Attempt at a Solution



Our presentation didn't include any similar example, so I'm at a loss about how to approach this. Been staring at the page for a better part of the day.
Any help would be much appreciated
 

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The Rydberg formula for hydrogen-like atoms is:
\frac{1}{\lambda}=RZ^{2}(\frac{1}{n^{2}_f}-\frac{1}{n^{2}_i})
Since the graph constitutes the entire spectrum for any n_i\rightarrow2 transition with n_i>2, where n_f=2 for any transition (since n=2 for the first excited state).
Notice that A corresponds to transition 3\rightarrow2, B corresponds to 4\rightarrow2 and so on, hence you can figure out which transitions correspond to lines C and D respectively.
 
ok, this clarified some things up, especially explaining the transitions.

EDIT-
thanks, i got it. Also managed to understand things properly along the way.
 
Last edited:
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