Modern Physics Introduction Photon Energy and Wavelength

In summary, in modern physics, the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its wavelength according to the Planck-Einstein relation. This is in contrast to traditional views of light, which saw it as a continuous wave. The concept of photon energy is significant as it explains various phenomena and plays a crucial role in quantum mechanics. The energy and wavelength of a photon can be measured using experimental techniques, and the energy of a photon is directly related to its frequency, placing higher energy photons on the shorter wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • #1
fallen186
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Homework Statement


Suppose that a beam of light consists of photons having an energy of 5.4 eV. what is the wavelength of the light?


Homework Equations


hc = 1240 eV*nm

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


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]5.4eV = \frac{1240eV*nm}{\lambda}[/tex]

[tex]\lambda = \frac{1240ev*nm}{5.4eV}[/tex]
[tex]\lambda = 229.630 nm[/tex]
 
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  • #2
That's correct.
 

1. What is the relationship between photon energy and wavelength in modern physics?

In modern physics, the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the wavelength of a photon increases, its energy decreases and vice versa. This relationship is known as the Planck-Einstein relation and is expressed mathematically as E = hc/λ, where E is the energy of the photon, h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength of the photon.

2. How does the concept of photon energy differ from traditional views of light?

In traditional Newtonian physics, light was viewed as a continuous wave with no discrete particles. However, in modern physics, light is understood to have both wave-like and particle-like properties. The energy of a photon is a quantized, or discrete, amount and is dependent on its frequency or wavelength. This duality of light is explained by the theory of quantum mechanics.

3. What is the significance of the photon in modern physics?

The photon is a fundamental particle of light and plays a crucial role in modern physics. It forms the basis of quantum mechanics and explains various phenomena such as the photoelectric effect, the emission and absorption of light by atoms, and the wave-particle duality of light. Additionally, the properties of photons are used in various technologies, including telecommunications and solar panels.

4. Can the energy and wavelength of a photon be measured?

Yes, the energy and wavelength of a photon can be measured using various experimental techniques. For example, the energy of a photon can be determined using the photoelectric effect, where the energy of the ejected electrons is proportional to the energy of the incident photons. The wavelength of a photon can be measured using diffraction or interference experiments, where the pattern produced is dependent on the wavelength of the incident light.

5. How does the concept of photon energy relate to the electromagnetic spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of electromagnetic waves with varying frequencies and wavelengths. The energy of a photon is directly related to its frequency, which means that the higher the frequency of a photon, the higher its energy. Therefore, photons with higher energies are found on the shorter wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum, while those with lower energies are found on the longer wavelength end.

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