Multiple Choice
When a hydrogen atom absorbs electromagnetic radiation (light), which of the following occurs?
20
views
9. Quantum Mechanics
The Energy of Light
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following occurs as the energy of a photon increases?
A
Its wavelength decreases.
B
Its frequency decreases.
C
Its mass increases.
D
Its speed increases.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the relationship between the energy of a photon (\(E\)), its frequency (\(\nu\)), and Planck's constant (\(h\)): \(E = h \times \nu\).
Understand that as the energy (\(E\)) of a photon increases, its frequency (\(\nu\)) must also increase because Planck's constant (\(h\)) is a fixed value.
Recall the relationship between the speed of light (\(c\)), frequency (\(\nu\)), and wavelength (\(\lambda\)): \(c = \lambda \times \nu\).
Since the speed of light (\(c\)) is constant, if the frequency (\(\nu\)) increases, the wavelength (\(\lambda\)) must decrease to keep the equation balanced.
Conclude that as the energy of a photon increases, its wavelength decreases, its frequency increases, and its speed remains constant; photon mass is zero and does not change.
0:50mWatch next
Master Photons and Planck's Constant with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
The Energy of Light practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations