Hydrogen Spectrum
The set of discrete electromagnetic emission and absorption lines produced when the electron in a hydrogen atom transitions between energy levels.
Governing formula
1 / λ = R_H (1 / n_f² - 1 / n_i²)
SI unit
m⁻¹ (Wavenumber)
In depth
Hydrogen's emission line spectrum provided key experimental evidence for quantum theory. Photon wavelengths follow the Rydberg formula, grouped into distinct spectral series depending on the final energy level n_f.
Examples in the real world
Astronomical spectroscopy measuring redshift in hydrogen spectral lines to determine galaxy recessional velocities.