Rydberg constant for spectral lines

rydberg is the Rydberg constant, which sets the characteristic wavenumber scale of hydrogen spectral transitions.

Use

It appears in the Rydberg formula for wavelengths of hydrogen-like atoms. Combine it with speedOfLight to relate wavenumber to frequency and planckConstant to relate frequency to photon energy.

Caveats

Use the appropriate reduced-mass correction for real nuclei when precision matters. Wavenumber is inverse length, not frequency; use divide with consistent SI units.

Use Rydberg in a calculation

Enter rydberg on a calculator line to see its built-in value, or place the name inside a longer expression. Keep any displayed unit attached when converting or combining physical quantities, and check that every other value uses a compatible dimension.

The example above is editable, so you can replace surrounding values and test the constant in your own formula. Browse all constants to compare related values and notation.