Related Formula
(1)/(λ) = RH Z² [ (1)/(n₁²) - (1)/(n₂²) ]$$\frac{1}{\lambda} = \mathrm{R}_H Z^2 \left[ \frac{1}{n_1^2} - \frac{1}{n_2^2} \right]$$
Core Logic
Let n₁$n_1$ be the lower energy level and n₂$n_2$ be the higher energy level.
Given conditions:
n₁ + n₂ = 4$n_1 + n_2 = 4$
n₂ - n₁ = 2$n_2 - n_1 = 2$
Solving these linear equations:
2n₂ = 6 n₂ = 3$2n_2 = 6 \implies n_2 = 3$
n₁ = 1$n_1 = 1$
Step 1: Apply Rydberg Formula
For Li²⁺$Li^{2+}$, the atomic number Z = 3$Z = 3$.
(1)/(λ) = RH (3)² [ (1)/(1²) - (1)/(3²) ]$$\frac{1}{\lambda} = \mathrm{R}_H (3)^2 \left[ \frac{1}{1^2} - \frac{1}{3^2} \right]$$
(1)/(λ) = 9 RH [ 1 - (1)/(9) ]$$\frac{1}{\lambda} = 9 \mathrm{R}_H \left[ 1 - \frac{1}{9} \right]$$
(1)/(λ) = 9 RH × (8)/(9) = 8RH$$\frac{1}{\lambda} = 9 \mathrm{R}_H \times \frac{8}{9} = 8\mathrm{R}_H$$
λ = 18RH$$\lambda = \frac{1}{8\mathrm{R}_H}$$
Step 2: Calculate Wavelength in cm
Using RH = 109677 ~cm⁻¹ 1.1 × 10⁵ ~cm⁻¹$\mathrm{R}_H = 109677 \mathrm{~cm}^{-1} \simeq 1.1 \times 10^5 \mathrm{~cm}^{-1}$ (approximated for calculation):
λ = (1)/(8 × 1.1 × 10⁵)$$\lambda = \frac{1}{8 \times 1.1 \times 10^5}$$
λ = (1)/(8.8 × 10⁵)$$\lambda = \frac{1}{8.8 \times 10^5}$$
λ = (1000)/(8.8) × 10⁻⁸ ~cm$$\lambda = \frac{1000}{8.8} \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{~cm}$$
λ = 113.63 × 10⁻⁸ ~cm$$\lambda = 113.63 \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{~cm}$$
λ 1.14 × 10⁻⁶ ~cm$$\lambda \simeq 1.14 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~cm}$$
Pattern Recognition
Equations translating "sum and difference of levels" instantly lock in the specific transition (3 arrow 1$3 \rightarrow 1$ Lyman series line). Always check the Z²$Z^2$ factor for hydrogen-like species (like Li²⁺$Li^{2+}$ where Z²=9$Z^2=9$) which heavily alters the wavelength.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Chemistry: Structure of Atom