Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 27 - Early Quantum Theory and Models of the Atom - Problems - Page 800: 34

Answer

$\lambda_{max}=6.62\times10^{-16}m$

Work Step by Step

This photon has just enough energy to create the 2 masses, with zero kinetic energy. (It is a maximum wavelength because if the wavelength increases, the energy decreases and can no longer produce the particles.) Use equation 27–6. $$\lambda_{max}=\frac{hc}{E}=\frac{hc}{2mc^2}=\frac{h}{2mc}$$ $$\lambda_{max}=\frac{6.63\times10^{-34}J \cdot s}{2(1.67\times10^{-27}kg)(3.00\times10^8m/s)}$$ $$\lambda_{max}=6.62\times10^{-16}m$$ Incidentally, the photon initially had some momentum and the products do not, so this process must take place near other particles to conserve overall momentum.
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