(a) A rubidium atom (m = 85 u) is at rest with one | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics: Principles with Applications

Chapter 27 Problem 6SL

Question

(a) A Rubidium atom (m = 85 u) is at rest with one electron in an excited energy level. When the electron jumps to the ground state, the atom emits a photon of wavelength \(\lambda = 780\ nm\). Determine the resulting (nonrelativistic) recoil speed v of the atom. (b) The recoil speed sets the lower limit on the temperature to which an ideal gas of rubidium atoms can be cooled in a laser-based atom trap. Using the kinetic theory of gases (Chapter 13), estimate this “lowest achievable” temperature.

Solution

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The first step in solving 27 problem number trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: (a) A Rubidium atom (m = 85 u) is at rest with one electron in an excited energy level. When the electron jumps to the ground state, the atom emits a photon of wavelength \(\lambda = 780\ nm\). Determine the resulting (nonrelativistic) recoil speed v of the atom. (b) The recoil speed sets the lower limit on the temperature to which an ideal gas of rubidium atoms can be cooled in a laser-based atom trap. Using the kinetic theory of gases (Chapter 13), estimate this “lowest achievable” temperature.
From the textbook chapter Early Quantum Theory and Models of the Atom you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

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Title Physics: Principles with Applications 7 
Author Douglas C. Giancoli
ISBN 9780321625922

(a) A rubidium atom (m = 85 u) is at rest with one

Chapter 27 textbook questions

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