- #1
kasse
- 384
- 1
Somebody tells you that a single ultraviolet photon carries an energy equivalent of about 10
electron volts (eV, see Appendix B). You propose a damage mechanism: A photon delivers that
energy into a volume the size of the cell nucleus and heats it up; then the increased thermal
motion knocks the chromosomes apart in some way. Is this a reasonable proposal? Why or why
not?
(Heat produced) = (mechanical energy input) * (0.24 cal/J)
so that
Heat produced = 3.84E-19 cal
electron volts (eV, see Appendix B). You propose a damage mechanism: A photon delivers that
energy into a volume the size of the cell nucleus and heats it up; then the increased thermal
motion knocks the chromosomes apart in some way. Is this a reasonable proposal? Why or why
not?
(Heat produced) = (mechanical energy input) * (0.24 cal/J)
so that
Heat produced = 3.84E-19 cal