Enter the atomic number and principal quantum numbers of the initial and final state of an emitted light to calculate the wavelength using the Rydberg equation.
- Average Atomic Mass Calculator
- Wavelength Calculator
- Wave Speed Calculator
- Energy to Wavelength Calculator
Rydber Equation Formula
The following formula is used by the calculator to calculate the wavelength of an emitted light.
W = 1 / [R*Z^2*(1/nf^2 – 1/ni^2)]
- Where W is the wavelength
- R is the rydberg constant ( 1.097 * 10^7 m^-1 )
- Z is the number of protons in the nucleus of the element
- nf is the principal quantum number in the final state
- ni is the principal quantum number in the initial state
Rydberg Equation Definition
The Rydberg equation is a formula used to calculate the wavelength of light that is emitted when hydrogen-like elements are switching to different energy levels.
Rydberg Equation Example
How to calculate wavelength with the Rydberg equation?
- First, determine the number of protons in the nucleus of the element
The element will need to be either hydrogen or hydrogen-like.
- Next, determine the principal quantum numbers of the element
This will be the numbers of the element in its initial and final state after having gone a change in energy levels.
- Finally, calculate the wavelength of the light
Calculate the wavelength of the light emitted from the change in energy levels of the element.
FAQ
The rydberg equation is a formula used to calculate the wavelength of light that is emitted when hydrogen-like elements are switching to different energy levels.
It’s not so much that you calculate the Rydberg equation, but rather you calculate the wavelength from the formula. Use the calculator above or formula to calculate the wavelength,.

