Science Common Sense

1718 - What explains the hydrogen atomic spectrum and the Rydberg equation according to the Bohr model?

In the Bohr model, the hydrogen atomic spectrum and the Rydberg equation are explained by the idea of energy levels.

Imagine a set of stairs with steps of different heights. Each step represents an energy level.

1. Hydrogen atoms have electrons that can jump from one step (energy level) to another.
2. When an electron jumps from a higher step to a lower step, it releases energy as light (a photon).
3. The energy of the light (or photon) is related to the difference in height between the two steps (energy levels).
4. The Rydberg equation is like a math formula that predicts the exact wavelengths (colors) of the light emitted when electrons jump between different steps (energy levels) in hydrogen atoms.

This model helps us understand why hydrogen atoms emit light at specific wavelengths, creating the atomic spectrum.