Final answer:
The number of photons in a flash of green light depends on the intensity of the light, not the wavelength or a fixed number. Longer wavelengths of light associate with less photon momentum, and momentum is conserved in all directions during a collision.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'How many photons are contained in a flash of green light?' essentially asks about the relationship between light intensity, wavelength, and the quantity of photons in a flash of light. The correct answer to the question is: a) Depends on light intensity. The number of photons in a flash of light is proportional to the light's intensity or brightness, rather than its wavelength. When discussing photon energy, it's necessary to consider Planck's constant and photon momentum. For example, the momentum of a photon can be found using the formula: p = h / λ, where h is Planck's constant, and λ is the wavelength. So, a photon with a 550.0 nm wavelength will have different momentum compared to a photon with a 650.0 nm wavelength after a collision.
Momentum is always conserved in collisions, including those involving photons and electrons. However, longer wavelengths imply less momentum compared to shorter wavelengths. Critical thinking around these topics is essential in understanding concepts like energy conservation and the properties of light.