Quantum Mech.: Photons and Tanning Bed Safety

In summary, the conversation discusses the limits of exposure to ultraviolet light in a tanning bed and the corresponding photon energy. The question also asks about the safety of the exposure and the number of photons the skin is exposed to with a given amount of energy. The solution involves converting photon energy to joules and using that to calculate the number of photons.
  • #1
kevnm67
43
0

Homework Statement



Summer has arrived and you decide to go to the tanning bed. After arriving, you recall from physics class that the threshold for tissue damage from ultraviolet light corresponds to a wavelength of 300nm. You decide to inquire about the limits of exposure. You're informed that the photon energy produced by the tanning bed is between 3.8 eV and 3.9 eV.
A) What is the corresponding wavelength of the UV light?
a. 9.2 nm, 9.5 nm b. 325 nm, 315 nm c. 300 nm, 310 nm
B) Is this safe?
a. no b. yes c. not enough information
C) How many total photons is your skin exposed to if it receives just 5 mJ (milli-Joules) of total energy corresponding to photon at 3.9 eV?
a. 8 x 10^15 b. 4 x 10^15 c. 10 x 10^15


Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution



a) choice B
b) choice B
c) not sure how to solve this one. Are they related by de Boglie?
 
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  • #2
energy of 1 photon is 3.9 eV
convert it into joules

now total energy received = (no. of photons)(energy of each photon)
 
  • #3
cupid.callin said:
energy of 1 photon is 3.9 eV
convert it into joules

now total energy received = (no. of photons)(energy of each photon)

When I do that I get:
3.9eV x (1.6 x 10-19 6.24 x 10-19

Then multiplying that no. by 5x10-3 doesn't give me the correct answer. What am I doing wrong?
 

FAQ: Quantum Mech.: Photons and Tanning Bed Safety

What are photons?

Photons are particles of light and electromagnetic radiation. They are the smallest unit of light and do not have a mass or charge.

How are photons related to quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that explains the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. Photons are considered to be quantum particles because they exhibit properties of both particles and waves.

How are photons created?

Photons can be created by several processes, such as the emission of light from atoms, the acceleration of charged particles, and the annihilation of matter with antimatter. They can also be created artificially in laboratories using lasers.

Do photons have a fixed speed?

Yes, according to the theory of relativity, photons travel at a constant speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. This speed is known as the speed of light.

What is the significance of photons in technology?

Photons play a crucial role in many technologies, including telecommunications, solar cells, and medical imaging. They are also essential in quantum computing, which has the potential to revolutionize computing power.

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