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The average hydrogen bond energy in DNA is 1.46×10⁻¹⁹J.

a) What is the minimum wavelength of light needed to break this bond?

A) Shorter than ultraviolet light
B) Longer than infrared light
C) In the visible light spectrum
D) Longer than microwaves

b) Where on the electromagnetic spectrum does this photon lie?

A) Ultraviolet light
B) Infrared light
C) Visible light
D) X-rays

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The minimum wavelength of light needed to break the hydrogen bond in DNA is shorter than ultraviolet light. The photon that can break this bond lies in the ultraviolet light region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Step-by-step explanation:

The average hydrogen bond energy in DNA is 1.46×10⁻¹⁹ J. To break this bond, we need to calculate the minimum wavelength of light required. We can use the equation E = hc/λ, where E is the energy, h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength. Rearranging the equation to solve for λ, we get λ = hc/E. Plugging in the values, we have λ = (6.63×10⁻³⁴ J·s x 3.00×10⁸ m/s) / (1.46×10⁻¹⁹ J) = 1.34×10⁻⁷ m, which is in the ultraviolet light spectrum. Therefore, the minimum wavelength of light needed to break the hydrogen bond in DNA is shorter than ultraviolet light.

The photon that can break this bond lies in the ultraviolet light region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths than visible light and is therefore more energetic. So, the correct answer is: A) Ultraviolet light.

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