Use this Rydberg equation calculator to quickly determine the wavelength of light transitions in a hydrogen atom.
Rydberg Equation Calculator
This calculator allows you to determine the wavelength of light emitted or absorbed by an electron transitioning between two energy levels in a hydrogen-like atom.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter the lower principal quantum number (n1) into the first field.
- Enter the higher principal quantum number (n2) into the second field.
- Enter the atomic number (Z) of the hydrogen-like atom into the third field.
- Click the “Calculate” button to get the result.
The result will display the wavelength in meters (m).
How it Calculates the Result
The calculator uses the Rydberg formula to compute the inverse wavelength (1/λ) as follows:
1/λ = RZ²(1/n1² – 1/n2²)
It then inverts this value to get the wavelength (λ).
Limitations
This calculator assumes an idealized hydrogen-like atom, meaning it may not provide accurate results for more complex atoms or in the presence of external fields. It also does not account for the relativistic effects or quantum electrodynamics corrections. The result is given in meters, and it assumes that the units for the Rydberg constant are correctly matched (m^-1). Ensure that the principal quantum numbers satisfy n1 < n2 and that all inputs are positive numbers.