How is the Rydberg constant used in NEET exam problems?

Question

I would like to understand how the Rydberg constant is applied in NEET exam questions. Can someone explain it with a simple example?

NEET Faculty · Answer

The Rydberg constant is used in the formula to calculate the wavelengths of spectral lines of hydrogen. The formula is given by:

1/Î» = R_H (1/n₁² - 1/n₂²)

where Î» is the wavelength of light, R_H is the Rydberg constant, and n₁ and n₂ are integers representing the energy levels.

For example, to find the wavelength of light emitted when an electron transitions from n=3 to n=2 in a hydrogen atom, you can use the formula:

1/Î» = 1.097 Ã— 10⁷ m^âˆ’1 (1/2² - 1/3²)

Simplifying this will give you the wavelength Î».

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