Atomic Structure

[deleted-467961]

Sir/Mam
The formula for calculating the wavelength of an electron is - (Wavelength)^(-1) = R( 1/n^2 - 1/m^2 )Z^2 Where R = 10973731.5 m^(-1) n = initial energy level m = final energy level But sir say if an electron is at 3rd energy level and comes down to 2nd energy level , then it's formula would be- (Wavelength)(-1) = R( 1/2^2 - 1/3^2 )Z^2 Which would yield wavelength of emitted photons but if we assume that electron is jumping from 2nd energy level to 3rd energy level then , it wavelength would be - (Wavelength)^(-1) = R( 1/3^2 - 1/2^2 )Z^2 Which would yield a negative wavelength but equal to magnitude of previous wavelength. So how can be wavelength negative ? Does this imply that photo of that wavelength is being absorbed ? Or whatever maybe the case , we use always use lower energy level as n and higher energy level as m ? Or does the formula contains an absolute value function? Sir/mam , I would really appreciate if you can devote a small amount of your precious time toward this silly question of mine. Thanking you Also, this is my first post on Reddit so please be kind and forgive me for my bad English .

[amyC]

You have posted this question on the Science Buddies website in the Ask an Expert forums, not at Reddit.

Science Buddies

[deleted-467961]

Oh sorry , I wasn't sure that any word reply to my post so I also thought to post this on edit but now I am sure