What is the energy of an X-ray photon with a wavelength of 6.6*10^–11 m?

In summary, the characteristic spectral line of molybdenum has a wavelength of 6.6*10^-11 m and an ionisation energy of 20 keV. Using the equations E=h*f and E=(h*c)/l, we can deduce that the energy of an X-ray photon with a wavelength of 6.6*10^-11 m is 19 keV. The markscheme uses the formula E(ev)=(h*c)/(l*e), where e is the elementary charge, to convert energy from joules to electron volts. This is because physicists often use eV as a unit of energy instead of joules."
  • #1
edwinem
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Homework Statement


The X-ray spectrum of molybdenum has a particular characteristic spectral line of
wavelength 6.6 *10^–11 m. The ionisation energy of molybdenum is 20 keV.

Deduce that the energy of an X-ray photon of wavelength 6.6*10^–11 m is 19 keV.


Homework Equations


E=h*f
E=(h*c)/l
h=planks constant
c=speed of light
l=lambda(wavelength)


The Attempt at a Solution


Normally this is quite easy. You just plug in wavelength into the equation and it should give you the answer. However, the part that I do not understand is that in the markscheme the proper formula to use is E(ev)=(h*c)/(l*e). Were e is elementary charge. Now this does not make sense to me as (h*c)/(l*e)=V (Voltage). So could someone explain why I need to use elementary charge.
 
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  • #2
Physicists often use eV as unit for energy instead of joule. 1 eV is the energy an electron gains when it is accelerated across 1 V potential difference. This energy is equal to 1( V ) * e (charge of electron) = 1.6 10-19 J.

ehild
 

Related to What is the energy of an X-ray photon with a wavelength of 6.6*10^–11 m?

What is the definition of "Energy of an X-ray photon"?

The energy of an X-ray photon refers to the amount of energy carried by an X-ray particle or wave. It is usually measured in units of electron volts (eV) or joules (J).

How is the energy of an X-ray photon related to its wavelength?

The energy of an X-ray photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the wavelength decreases, the energy of the photon increases.

What factors affect the energy of an X-ray photon?

The energy of an X-ray photon is primarily determined by the type of X-ray tube used to produce it. Other factors that can affect its energy include the accelerating voltage, the atomic number of the target material, and the atomic structure of the target material.

What is the energy range of X-ray photons used in medical imaging?

The energy range of X-ray photons used in medical imaging typically ranges from 10 keV to 150 keV, with most diagnostic X-rays falling in the range of 50-150 keV.

How can the energy of an X-ray photon be measured?

The energy of an X-ray photon can be measured using a device called an X-ray spectrometer. This device uses a crystal or a semiconductor to separate the different energies of X-ray photons and measure their intensities, allowing for accurate energy measurements.

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