Photon emitted when proton changes state

In summary, a proton confined in an infinitely high square well of length 10 fm transitions from n=2 to ground state, emitting a gamma ray with an energy of 9.859E-13 J and a wavelength of 0.2016 pm. The calculations were confirmed using WolframAlpha.
  • #1
wahaj
156
2

Homework Statement


a proton is confined in an infinitely high square well of length 10 fm. If the proton transitions from n=2 to ground state determine the energy and wavelength of the photon emitted


Homework Equations



[tex] E = \frac{h^2 n^2}{8mL^2} [/tex]
[tex] E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} \ \ or \ \ \lambda = \frac{hc}{E} [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I need some one to tell me if I did this right.
energy at n = 2
[tex] E_1 = \frac{(6.626E-34)^2( 2^2) }{8(1.67E-27)(1E-14)^2} [/tex]
[tex] E_1 = 1.31E-12 [/tex]

energy at ground state
[tex] E_0 = \frac { (6.626E-34)^2}{8(1.67E-27)(1E-14)^2 } [/tex]
[tex] E_0 = 3.286E-13 [/tex]

energy of photon released
[tex] E = E_1 - E_0 [/tex]
[tex] E = 9.859E-13 \ J [/tex]

wavelength of photon
[tex] \lambda = \frac{(6.626E-34)(3E8)}{9.859E-13} [/tex]
[tex] \lambda = 2.016E-13 m = 0.2016 pm [/tex]
this would be a gamma ray.

So did I do this question right?
 
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  • #2
There are some units missing, but a gamma ray is the right order of magnitude for such a photon and the approach looks fine. You can check the calculations with WolframAlpha, for example.
 
  • #3
thanks.
 

Related to Photon emitted when proton changes state

1. What is a photon?

A photon is a fundamental particle of light and electromagnetic radiation. It has no mass and carries energy and momentum.

2. How does a proton change state?

A proton can change state by absorbing or emitting a certain amount of energy, which causes it to transition to a different energy level. This energy can come from interactions with other particles or from external sources like heat or light.

3. Why is a photon emitted when a proton changes state?

When a proton changes state, it releases energy in the form of a photon. This is due to the laws of quantum mechanics, which state that energy can only be released or absorbed in discrete packets, or quanta. The energy level difference between the two states determines the frequency and energy of the emitted photon.

4. What is the relationship between a photon and a proton?

A photon and a proton are both fundamental particles, but they have very different properties. A proton is a building block of matter, while a photon is a force carrier for the electromagnetic force. However, they are both affected by the same fundamental forces and can interact with each other.

5. How is the emission of a photon from a proton useful?

The emission of a photon from a proton is useful in many ways. It allows for the transfer of energy and information in the form of light, which is essential for many technologies such as lasers, solar panels, and communication devices. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of matter and the universe at a microscopic level.

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