The Energy of the Trapped Electron in a One-Dimensional Space

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the length of a one-dimensional space (L) for a trapped electron, given an absorption wavelength of 523 nm corresponding to a transition from the second to the third energy state (ψ2 to ψ3). The energy expression for a particle in a box is defined as Ev = (n²h²)/(8mL²), where n represents the quantum number. The energy of the absorbed photon is calculated using the formula E_photon = (hc)/λ, where h is Planck's constant and c is the speed of light.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of the particle in a box model
  • Knowledge of Planck's constant and the speed of light
  • Familiarity with energy transitions in quantum systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the energy of the photon using E_photon = (hc)/λ for λ = 523 nm
  • Derive the length L using the energy expression Ev = (n²h²)/(8mL²)
  • Explore the implications of quantum confinement on electron behavior
  • Study the differences between one-dimensional and three-dimensional quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics and atomic structure, will benefit from this discussion. It is also relevant for anyone interested in the behavior of electrons in confined spaces.

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Homework Statement



Calculate the length of the space L in nm if an electron is trapped in one dimensional space of length L, and shows an absorption at 523nm due to transition from ψ2 to ψ3.


Homework Equations



Energy expression for particle in box:

Ev= (n2h2)/(8mL2) n=1, 2, 3...

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't understand what I am suppose to do with 523 nm. Once I know that I can continue. Please help with this. Thanks.
 
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First, the general formula for the energy of your eigenstates is incorrect. There should be a pi-squared term in the numerator.

Electrons can only be located in specific orbits, right? So the given 523 nm value is the wavelength of the absorbed photon. What is the energy of the photon?

E_{photon}=\frac{hc}{\lambda}

EDIT: I changed h-bar to h.
 
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