Calculating number of Photons absorbed by a surface

In summary, the number of photons absorbed by a surface can be calculated using the formula: N = P * A * t * ε, where N is the number of photons absorbed, P is the power of the light source in watts, A is the surface area in square meters, t is the time the light is incident on the surface in seconds, and ε is the energy of each photon in joules. This calculation is significant as it allows scientists to understand the efficiency of a material in absorbing light, which has various applications in solar energy technology, photochemical reactions, and photography. The number of photons absorbed cannot be greater than the number of photons incident on the surface, as all incident photons will either be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted
  • #1
SirNevermind1
3
0
If light with a frequency of 4.41*10^15 Hz falls on a surface that gains 1.13*10^-16 J of energy, how many photons has the surface absorbed?



Probably simple, I've been using E = hf and such, but I got no idea from there



Help meeee please
 
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  • #2
since you have the frequency of the light, you can calculate the energy of each photon with E = hf. with the energy of each photon and the total energy the surface has absorbed, you can calculate the number of photons by dividing the total energy by the energy of an individual photon.
 
  • #3
Excellent, thankyou very much
 

FAQ: Calculating number of Photons absorbed by a surface

How do you calculate the number of photons absorbed by a surface?

The number of photons absorbed by a surface can be calculated by using the formula: N = P * A * t * ε, where N is the number of photons absorbed, P is the power of the light source in watts, A is the surface area in square meters, t is the time the light is incident on the surface in seconds, and ε is the energy of each photon in joules.

What is the significance of calculating the number of photons absorbed by a surface?

Calculating the number of photons absorbed by a surface allows scientists to understand the efficiency of a material in absorbing light. This information can be used in various applications, such as solar energy technology, photochemical reactions, and photography.

Can the number of photons absorbed by a surface be greater than the number of photons incident on it?

No, the number of photons absorbed by a surface cannot be greater than the number of photons incident on it. This is because all the incident photons will either be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted by the surface.

How does the material of the surface affect the number of photons absorbed?

The material of the surface plays a significant role in the number of photons absorbed. Different materials have different absorption coefficients, which determine the amount of light they can absorb. For example, a black surface will absorb more photons than a white surface.

Is the number of photons absorbed by a surface affected by the angle of incidence?

Yes, the number of photons absorbed by a surface is affected by the angle of incidence. When the angle of incidence is greater, the surface area of the material that is exposed to the light is reduced, resulting in fewer photons being absorbed. This phenomenon is known as Lambert's cosine law.

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