An excited nucleus emits a γ-photon of energy 1.24 MeV. Take hc = 1240 eV·nm. If the wavelength of the γ-ray is N fm, find N.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Photon energy and wavelength satisfy Eλ = hc. Convert the photon energy: 1.24 MeV = 1.24×10⁶ eV. Therefore, λ = 1240 ÷ (1.24×10⁶) nm = 1.0×10⁻³ nm. Now, 1 nm = 10⁶ fm. Hence, λ = 10⁻³×10⁶ fm = 10³ fm = 1000 fm. Therefore N = 1000.