Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
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GRE Subject Test: Physics › Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.