Spectral lines and energy levels

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy of a photon corresponding to spectral line D in a hydrogen-like atom, specifically through the use of the Rydberg formula. The spectral lines result from electron transitions from higher to lower energy levels, with line C identified at a wavelength of 48.214 nm. The Rydberg formula is applied to determine the transitions, where line A corresponds to a transition from n=3 to n=2, and line B from n=4 to n=2. The user successfully resolves their confusion regarding the transitions and calculations involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photon energy calculations using E(ph) = hv
  • Familiarity with the Rydberg formula for hydrogen-like atoms
  • Knowledge of electron transitions between energy levels
  • Basic principles of spectroscopy and wavelength measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Rydberg formula in detail for various transitions in hydrogen-like atoms
  • Learn how to calculate photon energy using wavelength and frequency
  • Explore the concept of electron orbitals and energy levels in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the applications of spectral lines in astrophysics and chemistry
USEFUL FOR

Students studying quantum mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in the principles of spectroscopy and energy level transitions in atoms.

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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