The Rydberg formula is used in atomic, molecular, and optical physics for determining the full spectrum of light emission from hydrogen, later extended to be useful with any element.
The spectrum are the wavelengths of photons emitted when electrons jump between discrete energy levels, "shells" around the atom of a certain chemical element.
The fomula was invented by the Swedish physicist Janne Rydberg and presented on November 5, 1888.
Rydberg formula for hydrogen
Where
By setting to 1 and letting run from 2 to infinity, the spectral lines known as the Lyman series converging to 91nm are obtained, in the same manner:
Name | Converge toward | ||
1 | Lyman series | 91nm | |
2 | Balmer series | 365nm | |
3 | Paschen series | 821nm |
The formula above can be extended for use with any chemical element.
Rydberg formula for any element
Where