Atomic Spectra and Spectral Series

Atomic Spectra

  • Atomic stability must explain spectral lines, which classical physics fails to do.

Spectral Series

  • Wavelengths of elements fall into sets known as spectral series.
  • The first spectral series was discovered by J.J. Balmer in 1885; focused on the visible spectrum of hydrogen.
  • The longest wavelength (656.3 nm) is designated as Ha, followed by HB at 486.3 nm, etc.

Balmer's Formula

  • Balmer's formula for spectral lines:
    1/extwavelength=R(1n2)1 / ext{wavelength} = R \left( \frac{1}{n^2} \right)
    Where n = 2, 3, 4, … (with R being a constant).