HOMEWORK HELP

Question

What wavelength λ should the astrophysicist look for to detect a transition of an electron from the n=7 to the n=3 level?

 

value..... ; Units......

Answer 1

Assuming this is for hydrogen, use the Rydberg formula.

 

1/λ  = R(1/n_l² - 1/n_u²)

 

λ = wavelength

 

R = Rydberg constant = 1.097 x 10⁷ m^-1

 

n_u = 7

 

n_l = 3

 

Plug in the numbers, get 1/λ, and then invert to get λ in meters.