Chemistry question: How does rydberg's constant fit into a straight line equation?

This refers to the equation 1/lambda = Rydberg's constant * (1/n initial^2) +(1/n final^2) where lambda equals a certain wavelength and n initial equals a number greater than or equal to 2. How can you possibly plot points for 1/lambda vs 1/n initial (since this equation is that of a straight line)?

Answer:
y = mx + b (the equation of a straight line)

y = 1/lambda
m = Rydberg's constant
x = (1/n initial^2)
b = (1/n final^2)

now she the light? if you know lambda and n initial then you just plug in (i.e. if lambda = 100, then the y coordinate is 1/100; if n initial = 2, then the x coordinate = (1/2^2)). the slope will be Rydberg's constant and where the line crosses the y-axis will be (1/n final^2) (or 'b' in the traditional line equation)

BF
4th yr Chem Major
U of O (Canada)

The answers post by the user, for information only, FunQA.com does not guarantee the right.

FunQA.com

Chemistry question: How does rydberg's constant fit into a straight line equation?

Topic