What ion is this? even emission lines matches lyman series of hydrogen

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the wavelength of the Lyman-α line for hydrogen and positronium, highlighting the differences due to their mass. Participants explore the emission lines from a star, noting that every second line matches the Lyman series of hydrogen, leading to the identification of the ion responsible for this pattern. The positronium's reduced mass is discussed as a key factor in its spectral lines, which differ from hydrogen's due to its lighter mass. The connection between the emission patterns and the transitions in positronium is emphasized, suggesting that the ion in question may indeed be positronium. The analysis concludes with a focus on the implications of mass on spectral emissions.
unscientific
Messages
1,728
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement



Calculate the wavelength of the Lyman-α line (the transition from the 1st excited
state to the ground state) for (a) hydrogen atoms and (b) positronium e+e-, and explain
the origin of their difference.

In the light emitted from a star, a pattern of emission lines is found with every
second line coinciding with a line of the Lyman series of hydrogen. Identify which ion
causes this pattern and identify the observed transitions [assume the star is stationary
with respect to the Earth].

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


(a) the positronium is simply a particle of reduced mass μ = m1m2/(m1+m2) orbiting a central particle of m1+m2. μ = m/2.

35i1tm9.png


Is the ion a positronium? Since the E1 is proportional to m, and that positronium has half the mass of hydrogen..
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
anyone?
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

Similar threads

Electromagnetic emission lines for a hydrogen atom
Replies
4
Views
1K
Zeeman Effect: Splitting of Lyman-α Wavelength
Replies
7
Views
1K
Hydrogen emission spectrum diagram
Replies
3
Views
4K
I Hydrogen Atom Photon Emission Wavelength Formula
Replies
11
Views
3K
What is the Hydrogen Emission Spectrum for Transitions to the n = 1 Level?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Only certain emission lines show up in absorption spectrum
Replies
4
Views
2K
Electric potential of hydrogen molecular ion
Replies
11
Views
3K
What is the longest wavelength for ionizing ground state hydrogen atom?
Replies
5
Views
11K
What is the Most Energetic Lyman Line?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Find atomic number from spectral lines
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top