Question

This scientist and Walther Ritz name a “combination principle” that generalizes (-5[1])an equation developed by this scientist. Serge Haroche (“ah-ROSH”) used highly excited states named for this scientist to study photons trapped in an optical cavity. Using a reduced mass term allows for a constant named for this scientist to account for finite masses. (10[1])This scientist’s namesake constant is equal to the fine structure constant (-5[1])over 4 pi times the Bohr radius and is usually subscripted infinity. An exotic atom that could theoretically hold many atoms within it is this scientist’s namesake (10[1])polaron. An equation named for this scientist is used to derive the Lyman and Balmer spectral (10[2])series for hydrogen. (10[1])For 10 points, what Swedish physicist names a formula for emissions from electronic transitions in an atom? ■END■ (10[1])

ANSWER: Johannes Rydberg [accept Rydberg formula or Rydberg constant or Rydberg polaron or Rydberg atom or Rydberg state or Rydberg–Ritz combination principle]
<Ohio State B, Physics>
= Average correct buzz position

Back to tossups

Buzzes

PlayerTeamOpponentBuzz PositionValue
Alex AkridgeIndiana AChicago A10-5
Ezra SantosChicago BWashU B5210
Yash MandaviaIllinois BIllinois A63-5
Andrew WangIllinois AIllinois B9010
Annabelle YangWashU AMissouri10610
Benny FeldmanChicago DIllinois C10610
Jacob HarlMissoui S&TIndiana B10910
Adam FineChicago AIndiana A12710

Summary

Lower Mid-Atlantic2025-02-01Y540%0%20%85.50
Midwest2025-02-01Y6100%0%33%98.33
Northeast2025-02-01Y475%0%25%92.33
Overflow2025-02-01Y475%0%25%38.67
Pacific Northwest2025-02-01Y250%0%0%105.00
UK2025-02-01Y1060%0%20%89.17
Upper Mid-Atlantic2025-02-01Y875%0%13%88.83