A photon has a wavelength of 500 nm. Using p equals h over lambda with h equals 6.63 x 10^-34 J s, what is its momentum?
A1.33 x 10^-27 kg m/s
B1.33 x 10^-24 kg m/s
C3.32 x 10^-41 kg m/s
D6.63 x 10^-27 kg m/s
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. 1.33 x 10^-27 kg m/s
1. Photon momentum is p = h / lambda.
2. Substituting values: p = (6.63 x 10^-34 J s) / (500 x 10^-9 m) = (6.63 x 10^-34) / (5.00 x 10^-7).
3. Carrying out the division gives p = 1.33 x 10^-27 kg m/s.
4. 1.33 x 10^-24 kg m/s misplaces the wavelength's exponent by three powers of ten.
5. 3.32 x 10^-41 kg m/s comes from multiplying h and lambda instead of dividing one by the other.
_Source: OpenStax Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 21 "The Quantum Nature of Light", section 21.3 The Dual Nature of Light_
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