Electromagnetic radiation and photons

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses key concepts in quantum theory, specifically focusing on electromagnetic radiation and photon interactions. Participants explore calculations involving photon emission rates from various sources, including an AM radio station at 990 kHz, 5 nm x-rays, and 4 MeV gamma rays, with a total power of 165 W. The conversation also delves into the photoelectric effect, requiring a wavelength of less than 270 nm for photoelectron emission, and the energy dynamics in Compton scattering involving photons of 64 keV. Essential formulas such as E = h*f for photon energy are discussed, emphasizing the importance of conservation laws in solving these problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the photoelectric effect
  • Knowledge of Compton scattering and energy conservation
  • Ability to apply the equation E = h*f for photon energy calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation of photon emission rates from electromagnetic sources
  • Study the photoelectric effect and its implications in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about Compton scattering and its mathematical formulations
  • Explore conservation laws in elastic collisions involving photons and electrons
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, photonics, or anyone involved in research related to electromagnetic radiation and photon interactions.

freefallin38
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[SOLVED] Quantum Theory questions...

I have been having a bit of trouble on these homework questions

1)How many photons/s are contained in a beam of electromagnetic radiation of total power of 165 W when the each of the following is the source.
(a) AM radio station of 990 kHz
_____photons/s
(b) 5 nm x-rays
_____photons/s
(c) 4 MeV gamma rays?
_____photons/s

2)An experimenter finds that no photoelectrons are emitted from a particular metal unless the wavelength of light is less than 270 nm. Her experiment will require photoelectrons of maximum kinetic energy 2.2 eV. What frequency light should be used to illuminate the metal?
_____Hz

3)A photon having 64 keV scatters from a free electron at rest. What is the maximum energy that the electron can obtain?
_____keV

4) What is the minimum energy that photons must have to produce 46 keV electrons in a Compton scattering?
_____keV


I know 3 and 4 are similar.. I wasn't sure about what kind of formulas to use for any of them . Any hints or suggestions would be amazing :smile:
 
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How about an equation that might express the energy of a photon in terms of it's wavelength or frequency? You really don't have ANY such formula?
 
is E=h*f the energy for one photon?
 
freefallin38 said:
is E=h*f the energy for one photon?

Yes, now get started.
 
ok, so now I have the answers for 1 and 2. For 3 and 4 I'm still stuck about how to solve them..
 
freefallin38 said:
ok, so now I have the answers for 1 and 2. For 3 and 4 I'm still stuck about how to solve them..

Think of this collision as elastic. What does this mean?

HINT: Think "conservation laws."
 
ok, so the conservation law is hf+mc^2=hf'+E(electron)
in problem 3, I have 64kEv+mc^2=hf'+E, but how do i find the f'?
I have a feeling that if i can get 3, 4 will be easy to solve
 
Momentum is also conserved.
 
I can't find f' for problem 3. I thought that because the problem said it wanted the maximum value, that would make \vartheta =180. Using the formula 1/f'-1/f=h/mc*(1-sin\vartheta) to find f' and then when I used the conservation law, I just got the same original value of 64keV. If \vartheta isn't 180, then I can't figure out how to find f' when \vartheta and \phi are also unknown?
 

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