Question

The wavelength of the four Balmer series lines for hydrogen are found to be 410.3, 434.5, 486.1, and 656.4 nm. What average percentage difference is found between these wavelength numbers and those predicted by 1/λ = R(1/nf^2 - 1/ni^2)? It is amazing how well a simple formula (disconnected originally from theory) could duplicate this phenomenon.

The answer is REALLY specific: 0.0357% (doesn't accept answers like 0.04% or 0.037%); however, I am not sure how to get to that answer! Detailed explanation/work will be much appreciated! Thanks so much!

Answer 1