Spectral Series in Hydrogen - B's Model of the Hydrogen Atom Part 3

Key Concepts

• Energy Levels in Hydrogen Atom

  • Electrons occupy certain energy levels (n = 1, n = 2, n = 3, ...).
  • Transition between levels involves emission or absorption of photons.
  • Energy of photon = difference in energy between the initial and final energy levels.

• Energy Equation

  • Energy = Planck's constant * speed of light / wavelength
  • Also equals: -Rydberg constant * (1/n1² - 1/n2²)
  • n1 = initial energy level, n2 = final energy level

Important Spectral Series

• Lyman Series

  • Transitions from higher energy levels (n > 1) to n = 1.
  • Emits UV light.

• Balmer Series

  • Transitions from higher energy levels (n > 2) to n = 2.
  • Emits visible light.

• Paschen Series

  • Transitions from higher energy levels (n > 3) to n = 3.
  • Emits IR light.

Additional Notes

• These series are named after the scientists who discovered them.
• B's model was essential in explaining the hydrogen spectrum but can't predict spectra for more complex atoms.
• Quantum mechanics provides a more comprehensive understanding of atomic and subatomic processes.
• Modern quantum mechanics is beyond the scope of the MCAT.

Next Topics

• A brief overview of the quantum mechanical model of atoms.