Question

UV light can damage biological molecules because it has sufficient energy to break bonds within molecules. A carbon-carbon single bond typically requires 348 kJ/mol of energy to break it. What is the longest wavelength of light with energy sufficient to break this bond

Answer 1

5.72 × 10⁻³¹ m

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Given and required data

• Energy to break 1 mole of C-C single bonds (E): 348 kJ

• Planck's constant (h): 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J.s

• Speed of light (c): 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s

Step 2: Calculate the longest wavelength of light (λ) with energy sufficient to break this bond

We will use the Planck-Einstein relation.

E = h × c/λ

λ = h × c/E

λ = (6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J.s) × (3.00 × 10⁸ m/s)/(348 × 10³ J) = 5.72 × 10⁻³¹ m