Calculating Wavelengths for Photons and Electrons in Quantum Physics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating wavelengths for photons and electrons within the context of quantum physics. The original poster seeks to prove a formula related to black body radiation and to find the wavelength as a function of kinetic energy for both photons and electrons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive a formula for the number of photons emitted by a black body and seeks assistance in finding the wavelength for photons and electrons. Some participants suggest using de Broglie wavelength and relate momentum to kinetic energy, while others inquire about the original poster's knowledge and resources.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing references and suggesting concepts related to the problem. There is an exploration of different approaches, but no consensus has been reached on the methods to be used for the calculations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the approach for electrons and references the photoelectric equation, indicating a potential gap in their understanding. There is also mention of needing a starting point related to black body radiation.

prochatz
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Hello,

1)I want to prove that the number of photons emitted per unit of surface of black body, per unit of time and per unit of space of frequency is:

n(v,T)=(2*π*v^2)/[c^2*exp(h*v/k*T) - 1]
Any ideas?! :rolleyes:

2)How can I find the wavelength as a function of the kinetic energy i)for photons, ii)for electrons?

i)For photons.
Look what I've done so far. I used the relation: E^2=c^2*p^2+(mc^2)^2
The photon's rest mass is 0. So we get: E=c*p
p=E/c ---> p=h*v/c --->p=h/λ
Finally: λ=c*h/E

ii)For electrons.
I don't know what to do :rolleyes: Do you think that I should use the photoelectric equation (E=h*v - W)?

I appreciate any help.
Thank you.
 
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1. http://rapidshare.de/files/8499072/_ebook_-_PDF__Feynman_Physics_Lectures.zip.html deal the question in chapter 41 of volume 1. (AFIK, you need to own the book to download legally).

2. You can use de Bröglie wavelength for finding[tex]p(\lambda)[/tex]. From special relativity, you can relate momentum & kinetic energy.

[tex]p = \frac{h}{\lambda}[/tex]
[tex]E^2 = (pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
prochatz said:
Hello,

1)I want to prove that the number of photons emitted per unit of surface of black body, per unit of time and per unit of space of frequency is:

n(v,T)=(2*π*v^2)/[c^2*exp(h*v/k*T) - 1]
Any ideas?! :rolleyes:
I appreciate any help.
Thank you.

well, you must have *some* starting point. what do you know about bb radiation? What formula did you see in class? What textbook are you using? It's hard to answer without knowing what you already know.

Pat
 
good work keep it up and good going
 

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