Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics

Help Questions

GRE Subject Test: Physics › Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics

Questions 1 - 10
1

What is the energy of the photon emitted when a Hydrogen atom makes a transition from the to the atomic energy level?

Explanation

, where refers to the final and initial energy levels, respectively.

However, since the question asked what is the energy of the photon, it is the absolute value of the energy calculated above because of conservation of energy. The photon carries away the energy lost by the atom.

2

What is the energy of the photon emitted when a Hydrogen atom makes a transition from the to the atomic energy level?

Explanation

, where refers to the final and initial energy levels, respectively.

However, since the question asked what is the energy of the photon, it is the absolute value of the energy calculated above because of conservation of energy. The photon carries away the energy lost by the atom.

3

If a ground state particle is in a one-dimension square well, where is the probability of finding the particle equal to zero?

At the boundary.

In the middle.

the way in the box.

the way in the box.

None of these

Explanation

This is a fundamental concept question. For a ground state particle, the only place where the probability is equal to zero is at the boundary because the particle cannot be found there. He has to be in the box (not unlike a cat).

4

What is the energy of the photon emitted when a Hydrogen atom makes a transition from the to the atomic energy level?

Explanation

, where refers to the final and initial energy levels, respectively.

However, since the question asked what is the energy of the photon, it is the absolute value of the energy calculated above because of conservation of energy. The photon carries away the energy lost by the atom.

5

If a ground state particle is in a one-dimension square well, where is the probability of finding the particle equal to zero?

At the boundary.

In the middle.

the way in the box.

the way in the box.

None of these

Explanation

This is a fundamental concept question. For a ground state particle, the only place where the probability is equal to zero is at the boundary because the particle cannot be found there. He has to be in the box (not unlike a cat).

6

What wavelength will result in the most accurate measurement of the momentum of an electron?

Radio

Red light

X-ray

Gamma-ray

Infrared

Explanation

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that:

Since the uncertainty in the position is inversely proportional to the uncertainty in the momentum, we need to pick the longest wavelength. Of the options listed, radio has the longest wavelength.

7

If a ground state particle is in a one-dimension square well, where is the probability of finding the particle equal to zero?

At the boundary.

In the middle.

the way in the box.

the way in the box.

None of these

Explanation

This is a fundamental concept question. For a ground state particle, the only place where the probability is equal to zero is at the boundary because the particle cannot be found there. He has to be in the box (not unlike a cat).

8

What wavelength will result in the most accurate measurement of the momentum of an electron?

Radio

Red light

X-ray

Gamma-ray

Infrared

Explanation

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that:

Since the uncertainty in the position is inversely proportional to the uncertainty in the momentum, we need to pick the longest wavelength. Of the options listed, radio has the longest wavelength.

9

What wavelength will result in the most accurate measurement of the momentum of an electron?

Radio

Red light

X-ray

Gamma-ray

Infrared

Explanation

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that:

Since the uncertainty in the position is inversely proportional to the uncertainty in the momentum, we need to pick the longest wavelength. Of the options listed, radio has the longest wavelength.

10

What color will be emitted in the to transition in the Hydrogen Balmer series?

Violet

Red

Yellow

Blue

Green

Explanation

.

Here, is the wavelength, is the Rydberg constant, for the Balmer series, and refers to the upper atomic level (this is in this case). Now, we just need to plug everything in, and solve for wavelength.

By inverting, This is in the violet regime of the visible spectrum.

Page 1 of 2