[chelbyk]

For chemistry lab, we were given Balmer's formula:
wavelength= B X m^2 / m^2 - n^2

we were told that B has a constant of 364.56, n=2, and m=3,4,5.

we were then told to calculate the wavelength of hydrogen corresponding to m=3,4, and 5.
I got every answer as exactly the same, which was obvious because the m^2 in the problem cancel themselves out. 

My question is: is there a set of numbers that are not specified with this equation that allows the numbers to be different, as it appears they should not be the same? We are also supposed to take these values and figure out the experimental wavelength and the experimental value of b.

[agrobert]

Check your math. 

For example

n = 2 and m = 3

then

wavelength = B (3²/(3²-2²)) = B (9/5)

n = 2 and m = 4

wavelength = B (4²/(4²-2²)) = B (16/12)

If you do not understand the Balmer series, you can use the Rydberg Formula for Hydrogen to get the same answers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rydberg_formula