Energy Level question (quantam physics)

And yes, I am an expert summarizer of content, not a question and answer bot. In summary, the conversation discusses the hydrogen spectrum and its blue line with a wavelength of 434 nm. It is explained that photons of blue light are emitted when hydrogen's electron drops from the fifth energy level to a lower energy level. The given variables are wavelength, n1, n2, and R (Rydberg's constant). The homework equation provided is rearranged to solve for n2, but the individual asking for help is still unsure of how to apply the values. The expert summarizer states that nm stands for nanometers, and provides the conversion of 1nm to 1x10^-9m. The expert concludes by
  • #1
quickslant
90
0

Homework Statement


The hydrogen spectrum contains a blue line with a wavelength of 434 nm. Photons of blue light are emitted when hydrogen's electron drops from the fifth engery level to a lower energy level. What is the lower energy level?
Given
Wavelength = 434 nm
n1 = 5
n2 = ?
R = 1.097 x 10^7 m^-1 (which i am not sure what this means or how to apply it but anyways)

Homework Equations


1/wavelength = R [ 1/n2^2 - 1/n1^2]


The Attempt at a Solution



1/434 = (1.097 x 10^7 m^-1) [1/n2^2 - 1/5^2]
1/434 = (1.097 x 10^7 m^-1) [1/n2^2 - 1/25]
0.0023 = (1.097 x 10^7 m^-1) [1/n2^2 - 0.04]
0.0023 / (1.097 x 10^7 m^-1) = [1/n2^2 - 0.04]
((0.0023 / (1.097 x 10^7 m^-1)) +0.04 = 1/n2^2

AND now I am totally lost because it doesn't make any sense.. plug those values into your calculator and i get the exaxt same number for n2 as i started with n1 jeez! SOMEONE HELP! :eek:
 
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  • #2
R is Rydbergs constant. You need to rearrange the equation you provided for n2.

Remember that is 434nm aswell.
 
  • #3
does nm = Nanometers?
 
  • #4
Yes. 1nm = 1x10-9m
 

Related to Energy Level question (quantam physics)

1. What is the concept of energy levels in quantum physics?

Energy levels in quantum physics refer to the discrete and quantized amounts of energy that an electron can possess within an atom. These energy levels are represented by discrete energy states that correspond to different orbits or shells around the nucleus.

2. How are energy levels related to electron transitions?

Electron transitions occur when an electron moves from one energy level to another. This happens when the electron gains or loses energy, such as through the absorption or emission of a photon. The energy difference between the two levels determines the energy of the photon.

3. Can electrons have any energy level in an atom?

No, according to the quantum mechanical model of the atom, electrons can only have certain discrete energy levels within an atom. This is known as the principle of quantization, which states that energy is not continuous but rather exists in discrete packets.

4. How do energy levels determine an element's properties?

The arrangement of energy levels in an atom is directly related to its chemical and physical properties. The number of energy levels and the spacing between them determine the atom's size, reactivity, and other properties. For example, elements with similar energy level configurations tend to have similar chemical behaviors.

5. Can energy levels be changed or manipulated?

Yes, energy levels can be changed through the absorption or emission of energy. This can be achieved through various methods, such as heating, cooling, or exposing the atom to certain types of radiation. Scientists can also manipulate energy levels in atoms using advanced techniques such as laser spectroscopy.

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