Photoelectric effect and Rydberg's formula

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of a germanium detector to detect a peak in the energy spectrum at 134.2 keV. This coincides with the detection of an x-ray corresponding to the 2s to 1s electronic transition in germanium. The conversation then transitions to finding the energy of the gamma ray that ejected the electron, using Rydberg's formula for spectral lines of hydrogenic atoms. The formula involves the Rydberg constant, which is related to the speed of light and Planck's constant. By substituting the formula into the equation for energy, the energy of the gamma ray can be determined.
  • #1
iuchem16
4
0
A peak in the energy spectrum is seen at 134.2 keV when using a germanium detector. In coincidence with this, an x-ray corresponding to the 2s to 1s electronic transition in germanium is detected. Find the energy (in keV) of the gamma ray that ejected the electron.

Use Rydberg's formula for spectral lines of hydrogenic atoms:

1/lambda = R Z2 ( ( 1/n12) - ( 1/n22) )

where R, the Rydberg constant, is such that Rhc = 13.61 eV
(c is the speed of light, h is Planck's constant).




not really sure where to begin, do I solve for the wavelength and use that in the energy equation E=hc/lambda??
 
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  • #2
You might want to substitute the above equation into the equation for energy that you mentioned. Especiay since you are given R in terms of Rhc
 
  • #3
nevermind..i got it...thanks!
 

1. What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which certain materials, when exposed to light, emit electrons. This was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and later explained by Albert Einstein in 1905 through his theory of quantum mechanics.

2. How does the photoelectric effect support the particle nature of light?

The photoelectric effect provides evidence for the particle nature of light, as it shows that light is composed of discrete packets of energy called photons. The energy of a photon is directly proportional to the frequency of the light, and this energy is what causes electrons to be emitted from a material in the photoelectric effect.

3. What is the significance of the work function in the photoelectric effect?

The work function is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a material. In the photoelectric effect, if the energy of a photon is greater than the work function of the material, electrons will be emitted. This helps to explain why different materials have different thresholds for the photoelectric effect.

4. What is Rydberg's formula and how is it related to the photoelectric effect?

Rydberg's formula is a mathematical equation that describes the wavelengths of light emitted by hydrogen atoms. It is related to the photoelectric effect because it can be used to calculate the energy of a photon emitted in the photoelectric effect, as well as the energy levels of electrons in other atoms and molecules.

5. How does the photoelectric effect have practical applications?

The photoelectric effect has a wide range of practical applications, including in solar panels, photodetectors, and electron microscopy. It is also the basis for technologies such as photocells and photomultiplier tubes, which are used in sensors, detectors, and imaging devices.

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