The hydrogen spectral series
📚 The hydrogen atom is the simplest and most abundant of all elements in the Universe. In this video, we discuss the emission spectrum of hydrogen, which is mathematically given by the Rydberg formula. The emission spectrum of hydrogen was discovered before the development of atomic theory, and it played a key role in the discovery of quantum mechanics. We discuss the origin of the spectral lines, and classify them into groups such as the Lyman or Balmer series. We also discuss the importance that the hydrogen emission spectrum has for our understanding of large-scale structures in the Universe, such as star forming nebulas, and take a look at a beautiful image of the Orion nebula by the Hubble Space Telescope.
0:00 Introduction
2:22 Energy levels of hydrogen
3:37 Photon emission
5:23 Rydberg formula
9:59 Emission spectrum of hydrogen
10:50 Lyman series
15:17 Balmer series
19:25 Orion nebula
19:49 Higher series
23:28 Fine and hyperfine structure
24:36 Wrap-up
⏮️ BACKGROUND
Hydrogen atom basics: • The hydrogen atom
Hydrogen atom | Maths: • Hydrogen atom: power series solution
Hydrogen atom | Eigenvalues and eigenstates: • Hydrogen atom: eigenvalues and eigenfuctions
Hydrogen atom | Ground state: • The hydrogen atom ground state
Hydrogen atom | Energy spectrum: • The hydrogen atom energy spectrum
⏭️ WHAT NEXT?
Hydrogen fine structure: [COMING SOON]
Hydrogen hyperfine structure: [COMING SOON]
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Director and writer: BM
Producer and designer: MC