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

Thread starter Astronomer1
Start date Sep 29, 2013
Tags

Constant

AI Thread Summary

Rydberg's Constant is crucial in understanding atomic spectra, with R(sub)H representing the energy of the electron in the hydrogen atom and R(sub)infinity indicating the limit of the Rydberg formula as the electron's energy approaches zero. R(sub)H is quantified as -2.1799x10^-18 J, while R(sub)infinity is expressed as 1.0974x10^7 1/m. The discussion highlights a need for clarity on the definitions and significance of these constants. Participants are encouraged to research these terms for better comprehension. Understanding these constants is essential for deeper insights into quantum mechanics and atomic structure.

Sep 29, 2013

Astronomer1

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?

Physics news on Phys.org

Sep 29, 2013

Simon Bridge

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

This is a question about the definitions of symbols - have you tried looking them up?

Thread 'I've come across another fluid pressure problem I don't understand'

Neglect gravity other than that of water; neglect friction. F1=ρgsh=1000*10*1*(1+4)=50000 N; F1=ρgsh=1000*10*0.1*4=4000 N; F3=50000-4000=46000 N?

View full post »

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...

View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...

View full post »