Rydberg formula and spectral series (Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett, Pfund)
Atomic Structure · Chemistry
Molecule viewer
Interactive 3DBall-and-stick models with true bond angles — switch molecule to compare shapes.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
Study notes
Find the series limit wavelength of the Balmer series. Step 1: Series limit: electron falls from n₂ = ∞ to n₁ = 2. Step 2: 1/λ = R(1/2² − 1/∞²) = 1.097 × 10⁷ × 1/4. Step 3: 1/λ = 2.7425 × 10⁶ m⁻¹. Step 4: λ = 364.6 nm — the bluest edge of the Balmer series (near UV).