Calculating Wavelength of Electron Emission

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
4 replies · 3K views
Air
Messages
202
Reaction score
0
I need to make sure my method and the formula I have used is correct. Also, my answer for the wavelength seems slightly dodgy. :rolleyes:

Homework Statement


An electron recombines with a hole losing 2.6eV of electrical potential energy. Calculate the wavelength of the light emitted.

Homework Equations


Not given. Equations have to be used ourself.

The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}[/itex]

[itex]\lambda = \frac{hc}{E}[/itex]

[itex]\lambda = \frac{(6.63 \times 10^{-34})(3.00 \times 10^8)}{2.6}[/itex]

[itex]\lambda = 7.65 \times 10^{-26}m[/itex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Put units on things and make sure they match up. You'll want to convert 2.6eV to joules.
 
You've found the most high energy photon I've ever heard of! ! ! ! Always check the units, you forgot to convert the energy from eV's to Joules.

and I see now that dick just recommended the same thing. . .
 
Last edited:
How would I change eV's to Joules?
 
1eV=1.60217646*10^(-19) joules. That's what google says when I type in 'electron volt', anyway.