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Calculate the frequency in hertz of a 1.00-MeV γ-ray photon.

a. (2.42 × 10²⁰) Hz
b. (1.49 × 10²³) Hz
c. (2.42 × 10⁶) Hz
d. (1.49 × 10¹⁷) Hz

User Ankurvsoni
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The frequency of a 1.00-MeV γ-ray photon is calculated using the formula E = hf and converting the energy from MeV to joules before dividing by Planck's constant, resulting in a frequency of 2.42×1020 Hz.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the frequency in hertz of a 1.00-MeV (mega-electronvolt) γ-ray photon, we can use the equation that relates energy (E) with frequency (f) and Planck's constant (h):

E = hf

First, we must convert the energy in MeV to joules (J), since Planck's constant is expressed in joule seconds (J·s).

1 MeV = 1.602×10−19 joules (since 1 eV = 1.602×10−19 J).

Therefore, 1.00 MeV = 1.00 × 1.602−19 J = 1.602×10−13 J.

Using Planck's constant h = 6.626×10−34 J·s:

f = E/h

f = 1.602×10−13 J / 6.626×10−34 J·s = 2.42×1020 Hz

The frequency of a 1.00-MeV γ-ray photon is 2.42×1020 Hz, which corresponds to option (a).

User Matthew Johnston
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