Trenda M.

asked • 11/03/14

The Rydberg Equation and Ionization Energy

I'm not sure where to begin. I really need some help on this one.  I have the Rydberg equation here but I have no idea how to use the answer from the equation and use it to find the second ionization energy.
 
If the Rydberg constant for He+ is 0.04389 nm-1, what is the second ionization energy of helium in kJ mol-1

1 Expert Answer

By:

Inactive Tutor answered • 11/03/14

Tutor
New to Wyzant

See tutors like this
See tutors like this
Use E = hc/λ and 1/λ = RZ2(1/n12 - 1/n22) together.
 
 
R = Rydberg constant
 
Z = atomic number (2 for He+)
 
n1 = 1, the ground state energy level.
 
n2 = ∞, for ionization.
 
 
Multiply by NA (Avogadro's number) and divide by 1000 to get the final units.
 
Upvote • 0 Downvote
More
Report

Trenda M.

I'm not sure what you mean by use the equations together. Should I rearrange E=hc/λ so I can plug it into the Rydberg one? Is that possible? And do I just use the hc constant?
Report

11/03/14

Inactive Tutor

Find 1/λ from the second equation then multiply it by hc to get the energy.  hc is the same from the photoelectron problem.  I hope that clear up things.
Report

11/03/14

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.