The Rydberg Formula
The Rydberg formula is:
1/λ = R * (1/n₁² - 1/n₂²)
where:
* λ is the wavelength of the emitted light (in meters)
* R is the Rydberg constant (approximately 1.097 × 10⁷ m⁻¹)
* n₁ is the lower energy level (in this case, n₁ = 3)
* n₂ is the higher energy level (in this case, n₂ = 7)
Calculations
1. Plug in the values:
1/λ = 1.097 × 10⁷ m⁻¹ * (1/3² - 1/7²)
2. Solve for 1/λ:
1/λ ≈ 9.14 × 10⁵ m⁻¹
3. Solve for λ (wavelength):
λ ≈ 1.09 × 10⁻⁶ meters
4. Convert to nanometers (nm):
λ ≈ 1090 nm
Conclusion
The astrophysicist should look for light with a wavelength of approximately 1090 nanometers to detect this transition. This wavelength falls within the near-infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.