Photon Energy Level: Why Green Light Falls Greater Energy Levels

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between photon energy and wavelength, specifically addressing why photons emitted from green light correspond to greater energy levels compared to those from red light. The scope includes theoretical concepts related to electromagnetic waves and energy transitions in atoms.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that electrons are excited to higher energy levels and emit photons when falling back, questioning why green light, with a shorter wavelength, corresponds to greater energy levels.
  • Another participant asks about the relationship between energy and wavelength for electromagnetic waves.
  • Several participants reference the equations v = f λ and E = hf = hv/λ to explain that green light, having a smaller wavelength, results in a larger energy value.
  • One participant confirms that green light has more energy than red light, specifically per photon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between wavelength and energy, with a consensus that shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons. However, the discussion does not resolve all nuances regarding energy levels and transitions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions regarding the definitions of energy levels or the context of photon emission.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly those exploring the behavior of photons and energy transitions in atomic systems.

Air
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I understand that electrons are excited to higher energy levels. When they fall back levels, photons are emitted.

If green light has wavelength [itex]5.58 \times 10^{-7}m[/itex] and red light has wavelength of [itex]6.48 \times 10^{-7}m[/itex], why is it that when a photon is emitted from green light, it falls a greater energy level?
 
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What is the relationship between energy and wavelength for electromagnetic waves?
 
[itex]v = f \lambda[/itex]
[itex]E = hf = \frac{hv}{\lambda}[/itex]

So green light has a smaller wavelength hence a larger value of energy. Is this why it falls a greater energy level?
 
Yes, that is so.
 
Air said:
[itex]v = f \lambda[/itex]
[itex]E = hf = \frac{hv}{\lambda}[/itex]

So green light has a smaller wavelength hence a larger value of energy. Is this why it falls a greater energy level?

so... if E=hf, green light have more energy than red light?
 
Yes, but that energy is per photon.
 

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