Determining the life time of a excited state.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the lifetime of excited states in atoms based on the uncertainty in the frequency of emitted light when atoms transition to their ground state. The context involves quantum mechanics and the energy-time uncertainty principle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the uncertainty in frequency to the lifetime of excited states using the energy-time uncertainty principle. Some participants question whether the uncertainty in frequency can be directly applied to the uncertainty in energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is currently exploring the relationship between frequency and energy, with participants recalling relevant equations and questioning their applicability. There is no explicit consensus on how to proceed with the problem, but guidance is being offered regarding the principles involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the specific uncertainty value of 8 MHz and express uncertainty about how to incorporate this into their calculations. There is an emphasis on the need to clarify the connection between frequency and energy in the context of the uncertainty principle.

Elekko
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Homework Statement


The smallest uncertainty in the frequency of emitted light when excited atoms return to ground state for molecules is estimated to be 8 MHz. Use this information to estimate the lifetime of the excited states.
I would like to know if I'm thinking correct.

Homework Equations


Well here, it is a question we can take in general by having an uncertainty of the frequency at f = MHz.
I took the hydrogen atom in which the energy levels in general can be written as

E_n=\frac{-13.6eV}{n^2} where I then calculate the difference in energy for instance between state n = 1 and n = 2.

The Attempt at a Solution


Can I then apply the energy-time uncertainty principle \Delta E \Delta t \ge \frac{\hbar}{2} ?
I'm not sure about this, science we have an uncertainty in FREQUENCY which makes me stuck.

Appreciate for help.
 
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Recall the general relation E = hf.
 
TSny said:
Recall the general relation E = hf.

Can this be used as the uncertainty in energy in the energy-time uncertainty principle?
(Im not very sure about this, science I don't have a solution for this)
 
Need to mention that of course f = 8 MHz
 

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