Moderate

A photon of wavelength 900nm behaves like a particle of mass______________?

Correct answer: C. 2.46 x 10^-36kg

  • A. 5.53 x 10^-36kg
  • B. 0 kg.
  • C. 2.46 x 10^-36kg
  • D. 1.84 x 10^-44kg

Explanation

A photon has energy E = hc/λ, so its mass-equivalent is m = E/c^2 = h/(λc). Substituting h = 6.626 x 10^-34 J s, λ = 900 x 10^-9 m, and c = 3.00 x 10^8 m s^-1 gives m = 6.626 x 10^-34 / [(900 x 10^-9 m)(3.00 x 10^8 m s^-1)] = 2.45 x 10^-36 kg, approximately 2.46 x 10^-36 kg. The likely mistake is choosing 0 kg because a photon has zero rest mass, whereas this question asks for mass-equivalent based on its energy.

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