Calculating energy change (rydberg?)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy change when an electron in an atom is excited by heat, resulting in the emission of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 1x10^-7 meters. To determine the energy change, participants emphasize using the equation that relates energy (E) to wavelength (λ), specifically E = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant and c is the speed of light. The conversation highlights the importance of proper unit conversion and understanding fundamental atomic physics concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic radiation and its properties
  • Familiarity with Planck's constant (h) and the speed of light (c)
  • Basic knowledge of atomic physics concepts
  • Ability to perform unit conversions in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equation E = hc/λ for energy calculations
  • Learn about Planck's constant and its significance in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of electromagnetic spectrum and its applications
  • Practice problems involving energy calculations from wavelength
USEFUL FOR

Students in atomic physics, educators teaching quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding energy transformations related to electromagnetic radiation.

wuddalooo
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Ok, so here's the question:
An electron in an atom is excited by heat. In the process electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 1x10^-7 is produced. Calculate the energy change.

Do not get this at all in any way. I have to take an atomic physics module but I really really can't do any of it... ...HELP!
 
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Hi wuddalooo, welcome to PF!

wuddalooo said:
Ok, so here's the question:
An electron in an atom is excited by heat. In the process electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 1x10^-7 is produced. Calculate the energy change.

Do not get this at all in any way. I have to take an atomic physics module but I really really can't do any of it... ...HELP!

You don't really need to know much about atoms to answer this question. Start from "electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 1x10^-7 is produced" (with proper units, which are missing here) and convert that to energy.
 
First off, this post should have been made in the homework help section. Secondly, there is a very simple equation that relates energy in joules (E) to wavelength (λ). Scan through those diligently taken notes of yours, try to find those two symbols, and get back to us when you've found it :rolleyes:.
 

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