Atomic Spectra Uncertainties. A certain atom has an energy | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Sears and Zemansky's University Physics with Modern Physics

Chapter 39 Problem 39.86

Question

Atomic Spectra Uncertainties. A certain atom has an energy level 2.58 eV above the ground level. Once excited to this level, the atom remains in this level for \(1.64 \times 10^{-7}\) s (on average) before emitting a photon and returning to the ground level.

(a) What is the energy of the photon (in electron volts)? What is its wavelength (in nanometers)?

(b) What is the smallest possible uncertainty in energy of the photon? Give your answer in electron volts.

(c) Show that \(|\Delta\ E/E|=|\Delta\lambda/\lambda|\text{ if }|\Delta\lambda/\lambda|\ \ll\ 1\).Use this to calculate the magnitude of the smallest possible uncertainty in the wavelength of the photon. Give your answer in nanometers.

Solution

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The first step in solving 39 problem number 86 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Atomic Spectra Uncertainties. A certain atom has an energy level 2.58 eV above the ground level. Once excited to this level, the atom remains in this level for \(1.64 \times 10^{-7}\) s (on average) before emitting a photon and returning to the ground level. (a) What is the energy of the photon (in electron volts)? What is its wavelength (in nanometers)? (b) What is the smallest possible uncertainty in energy of the photon? Give your answer in electron volts. (c) Show that \(|\Delta\ E/E|=|\Delta\lambda/\lambda|\text{ if }|\Delta\lambda/\lambda|\ \ll\ 1\).Use this to calculate the magnitude of the smallest possible uncertainty in the wavelength of the photon. Give your answer in nanometers.
From the textbook chapter Particles Behaving as Waves you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

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Title Sears and Zemansky's University Physics with Modern Physics 13 
Author Hugh D. Young; Roger A. Freedman; A. Lewis Ford
ISBN 9780321696861

Atomic Spectra Uncertainties. A certain atom has an energy

Chapter 39 textbook questions

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