What is the relation between wavelength and orbital?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between wavelength and electron transitions between orbitals in a chemistry context. Participants explore the relevant equations and concepts that govern these transitions, including the Rydberg formula and energy differences between orbitals.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the absence of an equation in their textbook regarding the wavelength of electrons moving between orbitals.
  • Another participant suggests that the Rydberg formula might be relevant to the inquiry.
  • A different approach is proposed, indicating that if an equation for orbital energies is available, the wavelength can be derived from the energy difference between orbitals using Planck's formula E = hf.
  • One participant requests the class example to clarify the problem further.
  • A later reply confirms that the assigned reading did not cover the topic, but identifies the Rydberg equation as the relevant formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single approach but discuss multiple methods to relate wavelength and orbital transitions, indicating varying levels of understanding and resources available.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of syllabus edits and missing content in the assigned reading, which may affect the participants' understanding of the topic.

jacob baugher
I am in a chemistry class, and there was an in class example on how to do this type of problem, but then when I looked in the book, there wasn't an equation. the questions are related to what the wavelength will be when electrons are moving between orbitals.
 
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Could the Rydberg formula be what you're looking for?

Alternatively, if you have an equation that gives the energies of the orbitals, you can get the same result by finding the difference in energies between the two orbitals, which gives the photon energy, then using Planck's famous formula E = hf.
 
Last edited:
Did you copy the example from class? If so, please post it and we can try to figure out what's going on in the problem.
 
Thanks for the help, it turned out the assigned reading didn't cover it, they had to edit the syllabus, it was rydberg's equation.
 

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