Chapter 43, Problem 1PLA

To determine

The Balmer formula for the wavelengths of the visible light spectrum of hydrogen.

Answer to Problem 1PLA

The Balmer formula for the wavelengths of the visible light spectrum of hydrogen is $\frac{1}{\lambda }=R_H\left(\frac{1}{2^2}-\frac{1}{n^2}\right)$.

Explanation of Solution

Write the empirical equation for the wavelengths of the visible light spectrum of hydrogen by Johann Balmer

    $\frac{1}{\lambda }=R_H\left(\frac{1}{2^2}-\frac{1}{n^2}\right)$

Here, $\lambda$ is the wavelength of the visible light spectrum of hydrogen, $R_H$ is Rydberg constant $\left(R_H=1.097\times {10}^7{\text{ m}}^{-1}\right)$ and $n$ is the integer that takes value greater than $2$.

Conclusion:

Thus, the Balmer formula for the wavelengths of the visible light spectrum of hydrogen is $\frac{1}{\lambda }=R_H\left(\frac{1}{2^2}-\frac{1}{n^2}\right)$.