- #1
spaghettibretty
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Homework Statement
The "particle in a box" is the simplest quantum system. Despite this, it still reveals a lot of important new quantum features. Please use the "particle in a 1-D box" model to explain the reason why when the size of a quantum dot gets smaller, the wavelength of the emitted photon due to the n=1⇒n=2 transition becomes shorter (color shifts to blue).
Homework Equations
speed of light = wavelength * frequency
(it isn't listed in the question, but I use it for my answer)
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm not really sure how to tackle this question and give a sufficient answer. I tried reading around on the "particle in a 1-D box" model as well as quantum dots, but I'm not sure what I'm saying is sufficient.
My current answer is basically that the oscillation period of a particle in a 1-D box will decrease if the length of the box is reduced. A lower oscillation period equals a higher frequency, which, in turn, equals a lower wavelength. Therefore, if the length of the box decreases, the oscillation period decreases, and the wavelength decreases. This can be applied to a quantum dot. As the quantum dot's size is reduced, the frequency of its emitted photons will rise and cause the wavelength of those photons to decrease. The decreasing of the wavelength means that the perceived color of the photons will be more blue in comparison.
Is this answer enough? Are its components even correct? This material wasn't really covered by my professor and it's more of a self-research problem.