Atomic hydrogen produces well-known series of spectral lines in several regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Each series fits the Rydberg equation with its own particular n sub 1 value. Calculate the value of n sub 1 (by trial and error if necessary) that would produce a series of lines in which: the highest energy line has a wavelength of 3282 nanometers and the highest energy line has a wavelength of 7460 nanometers.

Question

Atomic hydrogen produces well-known series of spectral lines in several regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.  Each series fits the Rydberg equation with its own particular n sub 1 value.  Calculate the value of n sub 1 (by trial and error if necessary) that would produce a series of lines in which: the highest energy line has a wavelength of 3282 nanometers and the highest energy line has a wavelength of 7460 nanometers.

DrBob222 · Answer

Is this two problems in one or have you not typed the last line correctly? You are asking for the highest energy line as well as the highest energy line. That doesn't make sense unless you are looking for two series. It would make more sense to me if you were looking for the highest energy line of 3282 and the lowest energy line of 7460 nm.

Mark · Answer

Sorry, you're right. It is the lowest for the second.

Mark · Answer

My answers are 6 and 5 respectively. I'm confident that they're correct, but thanks for your time.