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

3171 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Draw and describe the major points of a typical stress-strain graph for a metal.


A light wave with wavelength 590nm shines upon a metal and causes it to emit an electron with a speed of 5x10^5 m/s. What is the work function of the metal?


Why is the refractive index of water bigger than that of air?


A stationary observer Bob, observes Alice take 5 seconds to travel from point A to B at 0.95c. How much time does Alice measure the journey from A to B to take?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning