Moderate

Which of the following has the largest energy?

Correct answer: C. A photon of wavelength 2 pm

  • A. A photon of wavelength 1nm
  • B. A photon of wavelength 50 μm
  • C. A photon of wavelength 2 pm
  • D. A photon of wavelength 200 nm

Explanation

A photon of wavelength 2 pmExplanation:The energy (E) of a photon is related to its wavelength (λ) by the equation: E = hc / λ, where h is Planck's constant and c is the speed of light.This equation shows that energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. Therefore, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy.We need to compare the wavelengths:1 nm = 1 × 10⁻⁹ m50 μm = 50 × 10⁻⁶ m2 pm = 2 × 10⁻¹² m200 nm = 200 × 10⁻⁹ m2 pm is the shortest wavelength, so it corresponds to the highest energy.

Last updated

About Dawn of Modern Physics

Classical physics cannot explain blackbody radiation and related observations, leading to Planck’s quantum theory, in which energy is emitted or absorbed in discrete packets. Photons provide the particle model of light, with energy and momentum linked to frequency and wavelength, including the photoelectric effect and its threshold frequency.

Practise Dawn of Modern Physics

739 free Dawn of Modern Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions