An electron falling from one energy level to another emits a photon of wavelength 550nm. What is the difference between the two energy levels?

The key equation is that of the energy of a photon.

E = hc/λ​ 

Using λ​ = 550nm gives E = 3.61x10^-19J (Remember that a nanometer is 1x10^-9 m).

Using the conservation of energy, the energy of this photon must be the energy lost by the electron.

Hence, the energy gap E = 3.61x10^-19J 

JL
Answered by Jamie L. Physics tutor

2937 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can we explain the standing waves on a string?


Where does the simple harmonic motion equation come from and what does it mean?


An electron is traveling at a velocity of 500m/s perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. A force of magnitude 4.32 x10^(-16) N is acting on the electron, what is the magnetic flux density of the field?


A source of green laser light has a wavelength of 560nm, what is its frequency? Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures and using the correct units.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning