Basic quantum physics, Balmer series

In summary, the conversation discussed finding the wavelength of the first three ionization energies of hydrogen, using equations such as Avogadro's constant, Planck's constant, and the speed of light. It was suggested to use the electron-volt as a unit of energy and to use the combination hc = 1240 nm eV to make calculations easier. The importance of understanding the definition of the Balmer series and the relationship between ionization energies and electron states was also mentioned.
  • #1
Quaint
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Homework Statement


The first five ionization energies of hydrogen are 1312, 328, 146, 82 and 52 kJ/mol. Calculate the wawelength of the first three in Balmer series.


Homework Equations


Avokadro constant, NA = 6,022 x 1023 /mol
Planck constant, h = 6,626 x 10-34Js
speed of light, c = 2,998 x 108ms-1
energy, E in J
wavelength, lambda in nm = 10-9m
frequency of radiation, v in s-1

E = hv
c = lambda x v

The Attempt at a Solution


So, in my knowledge you only need the first three energies given in problem and the energies represents the value of one mole of photons. So dividing the 1312 with Avokadro you will get the energy of one photon which is 2.17868 x 10-21J

Using the equation E = hv you will get v = 3,28807 x 1012s-1
and using c = lambda x v you will get lambda = 9,1178 x 10-5nm

So the exponent is definitely wrong but so are numbers because this wavelength should be visible to human eye (400-780nm). You can solve this other way when you are not using the given energies and the rydberg value is present in the equation but this should be another way to do this.
Thx beforehand
 
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  • #2
One suggestion I have is that you get comfortable working with the electron-volt as a unit of energy. The conversion is 1 eV = 1.6x10-19 J. It makes the numbers quite a bit easier to deal with.

Here's another trick that can save you some time. The combination hc is approximately 1240 nm eV, so the energy and wavelength of a photon are related by[tex]E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} = \frac{1240~\mathrm{nm~eV}}{\lambda}[/tex]

Regarding the actual problem, you want to look what the definition of the Balmer series is. Also, how are the ionization energies related to the energy of the electron states?
 

Related to Basic quantum physics, Balmer series

1. What is Basic Quantum Physics?

Basic quantum physics is the branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy at an atomic and subatomic level. It explains the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of particles, such as atoms and subatomic particles, and their interactions with each other.

2. What is the Balmer Series?

The Balmer series is a set of spectral lines in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum that are emitted by excited hydrogen atoms when they return to their ground state. These lines were first observed and studied by Swiss physicist Johann Balmer in the late 19th century.

3. Why is the Balmer Series important?

The Balmer series is important because it provides evidence for the quantization of energy in atoms, which is a key principle in quantum physics. It also helped scientists understand the structure of the hydrogen atom and laid the foundation for further research in atomic and quantum physics.

4. How is the Balmer Series calculated?

The Balmer series is calculated using the Balmer formula, which relates the wavelength of the emitted radiation to the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. This formula is given by λ = B(1/n2 - 1/m2), where B is a constant and n and m are integers representing the energy levels.

5. What is the significance of the numbers in the Balmer Series?

The numbers in the Balmer series represent the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. The lower the energy level, the closer the electron is to the nucleus and the more stable the atom is. The numbers also correspond to the different colors of light emitted by the excited hydrogen atom, with n=2 representing red light and n=7 representing violet light.

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