Astronomers observe a series of spectral lines in the | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics

Chapter 42 Problem 80

Question

Astronomers observe a series of spectral lines in the light from a distant galaxy. On the hypothesis that the lines form the Lyman series for a (new?) one-electron atom, they start to construct the energy-level diagram shown in Figure P42.80, which gives the wavelengths of the first four lines and the short-wavelength limit of this series. Based on this information, calculate (a) the energies of the ground state and first four excited states for this one-electron atom and (b) the wavelengths of the first three lines and the short-wavelength limit in the Balmer series for this atom. (c) Show that the wavelengths of the first four lines and the short-wavelength limit of the Lyman series for the hydrogen atom are all 60.0% of the wavelengths for the Lyman series in the one-electron atom in the distant galaxy. (d) Based on this observation, explain why this atom could be hydrogen.

Solution

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The first step in solving 42 problem number 80 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Astronomers observe a series of spectral lines in the light from a distant galaxy. On the hypothesis that the lines form the Lyman series for a (new?) one-electron atom, they start to construct the energy-level diagram shown in Figure P42.80, which gives the wavelengths of the first four lines and the short-wavelength limit of this series. Based on this information, calculate (a) the energies of the ground state and first four excited states for this one-electron atom and (b) the wavelengths of the first three lines and the short-wavelength limit in the Balmer series for this atom. (c) Show that the wavelengths of the first four lines and the short-wavelength limit of the Lyman series for the hydrogen atom are all 60.0% of the wavelengths for the Lyman series in the one-electron atom in the distant galaxy. (d) Based on this observation, explain why this atom could be hydrogen.
From the textbook chapter Atomic Physics you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

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Title Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics 9 
Author Raymond A. Serway John W. Jewett
ISBN 9781133954057

Astronomers observe a series of spectral lines in the

Chapter 42 textbook questions

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