Wavelength of a photon homework

In summary, the wavelength of a photon emitted when a hydrogen electron drops from the n = 6 to the n = 3 level can be calculated using the Bohr model for hydrogen or the equation E_n = - \frac{m}{2 \hbar^2} \left( \frac{e^2}{4 \pi \epsilon_0} \right)^2. According to this model, the energy levels of a hydrogen atom are given by E_n = \frac{E_1}{n^2}. This information can be found in a quantum mechanics book or calculated using the given values of E1 = -13.6 eV and Planck's constant.
  • #1
Fiza43
2
0
what is the wavelength of a photon emitted when a hydrogen electron drops from the n = 6 to the n = 3 level?
(E1 = -13.6 eV and Planck's constant is 6.626 * 10^-34 J s)
 
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  • #2
Look up the Bohr model for hydrogen.
 
  • #3
Or take a quantum mechanics book which will tell you that
[tex]E_n = - \frac{m}{2 \hbar^2} \left( \frac{e^2}{4 \pi \epsilon_0} \right)^2[/tex]
are the energy levels of a hydrogen atom (I checked this in Mathematica, filling in the numbers and n = 1 indeed gives -13.6057 ElectronVolt :D).

[edit] In fact, [tex]E_n = \frac{E_1}{n^2}[/tex] (Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, p. 149, [4.70]). Now if that doesn't make it easy on you, I give up :) [/edit]
 
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1. What is the wavelength of a photon?

The wavelength of a photon is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in its electromagnetic wave.

2. How is the wavelength of a photon related to its energy?

The wavelength of a photon is inversely proportional to its energy. This means that as the wavelength decreases, the energy of the photon increases.

3. What is the unit of measurement for wavelength of a photon?

The unit of measurement for wavelength of a photon is typically nanometers (nm) or meters (m) in the metric system. In the imperial system, it can be measured in angstroms (Å) or feet (ft).

4. Can the wavelength of a photon be measured directly?

No, the wavelength of a photon cannot be measured directly. It is a theoretical concept that is calculated using the speed of light and the frequency of the photon.

5. How does the wavelength of a photon relate to the color of light?

The wavelength of a photon determines the color of light. Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons and are perceived as blue or violet light, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower energy photons and are perceived as red or orange light.

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