Photon Energy Level: Why Green Light Falls Greater Energy Levels

In summary, electrons can be excited to higher energy levels and when they fall back, they emit photons. The wavelength of light is directly related to its energy, with shorter wavelengths corresponding to higher energy levels. This explains why green light, with a smaller wavelength, falls to a greater energy level than red light. However, it is important to note that this energy is per photon, not overall.
  • #1
Air
203
0
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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  • #2
What is the relationship between energy and wavelength for electromagnetic waves?
 
  • #3
[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?
 
  • #4
Yes, that is so.
 
  • #5
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?
 
  • #6
Yes, but that energy is per photon.
 

1. What is photon energy level?

Photon energy level refers to the amount of energy carried by a photon, which is a tiny particle of light. The energy level of a photon is directly related to its wavelength, where shorter wavelengths have higher energy levels and longer wavelengths have lower energy levels.

2. Why does green light fall in greater energy levels?

Green light falls in the middle of the visible light spectrum, with a wavelength of approximately 550 nanometers. This wavelength falls in the range of higher energy levels compared to longer wavelengths like red or orange, but lower energy levels compared to shorter wavelengths like blue or purple.

3. How is photon energy level related to color?

The energy level of a photon is directly related to its color. As mentioned before, shorter wavelengths have higher energy levels and longer wavelengths have lower energy levels. This means that blue and purple light have higher energy levels compared to green, yellow, and red light.

4. How does photon energy level affect the behavior of light?

The energy level of a photon determines its behavior when interacting with matter. Higher energy photons (shorter wavelengths) have enough energy to ionize atoms and molecules, while lower energy photons (longer wavelengths) are more likely to be absorbed or scattered by matter.

5. Can photon energy level be measured?

Yes, photon energy level can be measured using a device called a spectrophotometer. This instrument measures the intensity of light at different wavelengths, allowing scientists to determine the energy level of photons in a particular light source.

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