How to use the rydberg formula calculator
Find wavelength of a hydrogen-like spectral line. Enter atomic number, lower level, upper level in the fields above; the wavelength, frequency are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Formula
Variables
- Z — Atomic number
- n1 — Lower level
- n2 — Upper level
Worked example
With atomic number = 1, lower level = 2, upper level = 3, the calculator gives wavelength ≈ 656.1123 nm; frequency ≈ 456.9225 THz.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for the rydberg formula calculation?
Wavelength (nm) = 1e9 / (RYD × Z × Z × (1 / (n1 × n1)-1 / (n2 × n2))). Frequency (THz) = CLIGHT / ([Wavelength] × 1e-9) / 1e12. Here Z is atomic number, n1 is lower level, n2 is upper level.
What inputs do I need for the rydberg formula calculator?
You need atomic number, lower level, upper level. Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use this calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.