Class 11 Exam  >  Class 11 Questions  >  Write an expression to calculate the wave num... Start Learning for Free
Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum?
Verified Answer
Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in t...
If the electron jumps from n2 = 5 to n1 = 1 then following are the transitions possible. Hence there are 10 transitions and hence 10 spectral lines possible.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 11 courses
Most Upvoted Answer
Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in t...
Expression to Calculate the Wave Number of Spectral Line in the Hydrogen Spectrum

The wave number of a spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum can be calculated using the following expression:

Wave Number (ν) = 1 / Wavelength (λ)

Explanation:

1. Spectral Lines in the Hydrogen Spectrum:
The hydrogen spectrum is a series of lines observed in the emission or absorption of light by hydrogen atoms. These lines correspond to different energy transitions that occur within the hydrogen atom when its electrons move between different energy levels.

2. Wave Number:
The wave number (ν) represents the number of waves per unit distance. It is defined as the reciprocal of the wavelength (λ) of a wave. The wave number is usually expressed in units of reciprocal meters (m⁻¹) or reciprocal centimeters (cm⁻¹).

3. Relationship between Wave Number and Wavelength:
The wavelength (λ) and wave number (ν) are inversely proportional to each other. This means that as the wavelength of a wave decreases, the wave number increases, and vice versa. Mathematically, this relationship can be expressed as:

ν = 1 / λ

This expression allows us to calculate the wave number of a spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum when the wavelength is known.

4. Calculation Example:
Let's consider an example where the wavelength (λ) of a spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum is given as 656.3 nm (nanometers).

To calculate the wave number, we can use the expression:

ν = 1 / λ = 1 / 656.3 nm

First, we need to convert the wavelength from nanometers to meters by dividing by 10⁹:

ν = 1 / (656.3 nm / 10⁹) m⁻¹

Next, we simplify the expression:

ν = 10⁹ / 656.3 m⁻¹

Finally, we calculate the wave number:

ν ≈ 1.521 × 10⁶ m⁻¹

Therefore, the wave number of the spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum with a wavelength of 656.3 nm is approximately 1.521 × 10⁶ m⁻¹.

Conclusion:

The expression to calculate the wave number of a spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum is ν = 1 / λ, where ν represents the wave number and λ represents the wavelength. This expression allows us to determine the number of waves per unit distance for a given wavelength. By using this expression, we can easily convert between wavelength and wave number in the hydrogen spectrum.
Community Answer
Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in t...
Wave no. = R[1/n1^2 - 1/n2^2].where, R is Rydberg constant.N1 and N2 is the no. of spectral line.
Attention Class 11 Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 11 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 11.
Explore Courses for Class 11 exam

Top Courses for Class 11

Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum?
Question Description
Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum? for Class 11 2024 is part of Class 11 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 11 exam syllabus. Information about Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum? covers all topics & solutions for Class 11 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum?.
Solutions for Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 11. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 11 Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum?, a detailed solution for Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum? has been provided alongside types of Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Write an expression to calculate the wave number of spectral line in the hydrogen spectrum? tests, examples and also practice Class 11 tests.
Explore Courses for Class 11 exam

Top Courses for Class 11

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev