Lyman Series Wavelengths - measurement standard?

In summary, the Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard is a method used by scientists to accurately measure the wavelengths of light emitted by hydrogen atoms. It is based on the observations made by physicist Theodore Lyman in the early 20th century and has evolved over time with advancements in technology. The standard is important in many scientific fields and has limitations, as it can only be used for hydrogen atoms and is restricted to the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
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neilparker62
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Am just wondering what the currently accepted measurement standard is for the Lyman series spectral lines.

At NIST I find the following set of measured wavelengths (nano meters):

91.9342
92.0947
92.3148
92.6249
93.0751
93.7814
94.9742
97.2517
102.5728
121.56701

At http://www.trinitas.ru/rus/doc/0016/001b/00161313.htm I find another set of measured wavelengths:

91.93514
92.09631
92.31504
92.62257
93.07483
93.78035
94.97431
97.25368
102.57223
121.56701

1. Which set of data is the currently accepted measurement standard ?

2. Also the Russian site is using the value 1.0967878E+07 for the Rydberg constant and I would like to know where that comes from since it is neither the same as Codata 1.0973731569E+07 nor reduced mass corrected value of 1.0967758341E+07. The value they are using seems to calculate the second set of values to a very high level of precision without recourse to anything other than the standard Rydberg formula.

3. Finally are the measured values from sun spectra or from some or other terrestrial light source ? Because at some level of accuracy one would presumably have to start accounting for gravitational redshift of solar spectra.
 
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  • #2
The currently accepted measurement standard is the set of wavelengths measured by NIST. The Rydberg constant used by the Russian site is a value derived from the measured wavelengths in their set of data, so it is not necessarily the same as the Codata or reduced mass corrected values. Finally, the measured values are from sun spectra, and gravitational redshift is usually negligible for Lyman series lines.
 

Related to Lyman Series Wavelengths - measurement standard?

1. What is the Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard?

The Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard is a method used to determine the wavelengths of light emitted by hydrogen atoms. It is based on the observations made by physicist Theodore Lyman that showed a series of spectral lines in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum when hydrogen gas was excited.

2. How is the Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard used?

The Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard is used by scientists to accurately measure the wavelengths of light emitted by hydrogen atoms. This is achieved by passing light through a diffraction grating or a prism, which separates the light into its component wavelengths. By comparing the observed wavelengths to the known Lyman Series Wavelengths, scientists can determine the exact wavelengths of the light being emitted.

3. Why is the Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard important?

The Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard is important because it provides a reliable and consistent way to measure the wavelengths of light emitted by hydrogen atoms. This is crucial in many scientific fields, such as astronomy and chemistry, where accurate measurements of spectral lines are necessary for understanding the properties and behavior of atoms and molecules.

4. Are there any limitations to the Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard?

Yes, there are limitations to the Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard. It can only be used to measure the wavelengths of light emitted by hydrogen atoms and is not applicable to other elements. Additionally, it is limited to the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum and cannot be used to measure wavelengths in other regions.

5. How has the Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard evolved over time?

The Lyman Series Wavelengths measurement standard has evolved over time as technology has advanced. In the early 20th century, the standard was primarily based on observations made through visible light spectroscopy. However, with the development of new instruments, such as X-ray and ultraviolet telescopes, scientists have been able to make more precise measurements and expand the Lyman Series to include shorter wavelengths.

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