Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: WK95 on October 30, 2013, 10:28:37 PM
Title: 1/λ= R(1/n_1 - 1/n_2) or 1/λ= (RH/hc)(1/n_1 - 1/n_2)
Post by: WK95 on October 30, 2013, 10:28:37 PM
1/λ= R(1/n_1 - 1/n_2)
---vs---
1/λ= (RH/hc)(1/n_1 - 1/n_2)
What is the difference in usage? In my problem sets, I keep getting questions usin these equations and sometimes one is used while other times, another is used.
Title: Re: 1/λ= R(1/n_1 - 1/n_2) or 1/λ= (RH/hc)(1/n_1 - 1/n_2)
Post by: Vidya on October 30, 2013, 10:59:53 PM
you will get the same answer by using any of the equation In one case the constant is R which is equal to RH/hc Basic equation is E= RH(1/n^)2- 1/n^2_2) and E = hc/λ If you plug in the values then 1/λ= RH/hc(1/n^2_1-n^2_2) so basically they are the same equation and R = RH/hc RH is the Rydberg constant with units of J and R is the Rydberg constant with units of m^-1