0
$\begingroup$

The transition of an electron from a higher level to a lower level results in the emission of a photon of wavelength $350.0\ \mathrm{nm}$. If the energy of the higher level is $-3.24\times10^{-19}\ \mathrm J$, calculate the energy of the lower level.

By using $E = h\nu$

I find $E = 5.679\times10^{-28}\ \mathrm J$

How do I use this value to solve the qus?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

All you need are two equations and two constants (speed of light and Planck constant): \begin{eqnarray} \mathrm{E} & = & h\nu\\ h & = & \mathrm{6.62606957 \cdot 10^{−34} J\cdot s}\\ \mathrm{c} & = & \lambda\nu\\ \mathrm{c} & = & 299792458\ \mathrm{m\cdot s}^{-1}\\ \end{eqnarray}

Using these data, the energy of a photon with $\lambda = 350\ \mathrm{nm}$ calculates to:

$$\mathrm{E} = \frac{6.62606957 \cdot 10^{-34} \cdot 2.99792458 \cdot 10^8}{350 \cdot 10^{-9}} \cdot \frac{\mathrm{J \cdot s \cdot m}}{\mathrm{s \cdot m}} = 0.05676 \cdot 10^{-17} \mathrm{J} = 5.676 \cdot 10^{-19} \mathrm{J}$$

This is the energy difference to the higher level.

$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for your reply @Klaus Warzecha. Am I right to say that after substituting wavelength = 350nm into the equations, I'm already finding the energy of the lower level? $\endgroup$
    – Kenny
    Commented Nov 17, 2014 at 14:41
  • $\begingroup$ @Kenny Almost, you're calculating the energy of a photon with $\lambda$ = 350 nm. This is the difference to the other level for which the energy was given. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 17, 2014 at 18:04
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you for your reply. I got totally messed up with my units. $\endgroup$
    – Kenny
    Commented Nov 18, 2014 at 4:43
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @Kenny My pleasure :) Units are a pretty helpful thing - unless one confuses imperial and metric measures and therefore looses a Mars Climate orbiter. Fortunately, NASA openly stands to this historical error and even cites it educational materials. Good on them! $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 18, 2014 at 9:04

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.