Spectral Lines of Hydrogen Atom

Spectral Lines of Hydrogen Atom

Excited hydrogen atoms are produced in an electric discharge which not only dissociates hydrogen molecules, but excites the atoms as well. These atoms radiate light at discrete wavelengths, some of which lie in the visible region of the spectrum.

This visible light is dispersed by a diffraction grating in a spectrograph and detected by photographic film. The wavelength determines the position of the lines in the spectrum, and the wavelength is calibrated using the Hg spectrum where the lines are intense and well-known. Measurement of the H atom lines then makes it possible to determine the Rydberg constant

This video shows the spectral lines of hydrogen atom,

represented by the orbital diagram of an atom.

Know More :  Spectrum of the Hydrogen Atom