Find wavelength of a quantum of electromagnetic radiation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the wavelength of a quantum of electromagnetic radiation given its energy in keV. The context includes the use of fundamental constants such as Planck's constant and the speed of light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between energy and wavelength using the equation E=hf and the conversion of energy units from eV to joules. There are attempts to clarify the calculation process and unit conversions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants verifying calculations and questioning the accuracy of unit conversions. Some guidance has been offered regarding significant figures and the proper use of constants.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the need for a conversion factor between electron-volts and joules, as well as the significance of using appropriate significant figures based on the given data.

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Homework Statement


A quantum of electromagnetic radiation has
an energy of 0.877 keV.
What is its wavelength? The speed of light
is 2.99792 × 10
8 m/s, and Planck’s constant
is 6.62607 × 10−34J · s.
Answer in units of nm


Homework Equations


E=hf
v=fλ
... λ=v/(E/h)

The Attempt at a Solution



When i solved, i got 1.413728e-9 nm... I have checked my units. can some just help and point me in the right direction
 
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v is usually written as c when one speaks of the speed of light in vacuum. Also, the double fraction reduces to:
<br /> \frac{c}{\frac{E}{h}} = \frac{h \, c}{E}<br />
For this answer, you need to know the conversion factor between an electron-volt (eV) and a joule as energy units. Do you know it?
 
Dickfore said:
v is usually written as c when one speaks of the speed of light in vacuum. Also, the double fraction reduces to:
<br /> \frac{c}{\frac{E}{h}} = \frac{h \, c}{E}<br />
For this answer, you need to know the conversion factor between an electron-volt (eV) and a joule as energy units. Do you know it?


Yes i did convert it but i still got it wrong
 
how did you convert it, and what did you get?
 
I did it again and i got 1.414E-8 ... and i think that is in meters. Am i right??

so that means that the answer is14.14nm
________________________________________________________________________

I used Plancks constant in eV's. Its on the ap equation sheet
 
I didn't get that. What did you get for the energy in joules?
 
1.405109518e-16 J
 
This is correct. Now:
<br /> \frac{h \, c}{E} = \frac{6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \mathrm{J} \cdot \mathrm{s} \times 2.998 \times 10^8 \, \mathrm{m} \cdot \mathrm{s}^{-1}}{1.4051 \times 10^{-16} \, \mathrm{J}}<br />

The product and ratio of the mantissas, gives:
<br /> \frac{6.626 \times 2.998}{1.4051} = 14.14<br />
The exponents sum up to -34 + 8 - (-16) = -10. You may read off the units from the above fraction fairly easily.

What should the answer be in scientific form?
 
so in nm, it would be 1.414
 
  • #10
yes, except that you need to use as many significant figures, as there are in variable with the least number of significant figures given in the problem. Fundamental constants are usually known to a lot of significant figures.
 
  • #11
Thank You
 

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