Question:

In a Frank-Hertz experiment, an electron of energy 5.6 eV passes through mercury vapour and emerges with an energy 0.7 eV. The minimum wavelength of photons emitted by mercury atoms is close to :

Show Hint

The energy lost by the electron is absorbed by the mercury atom and later emitted as a photon; use \(\lambda = hc/E\).
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • \(2020\ \mathrm{nm}\)
  • \(250\ \mathrm{nm}\)
  • \(1700\ \mathrm{nm}\)
  • \(220\ \mathrm{nm}\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Energy lost by the electron = 5.6 - 0.7 = 4.9 eV, which is the energy given to the mercury atom.
The atom de-excites by emitting a photon; the maximum photon energy is 4.9 eV, so the minimum wavelength is \(\lambda_{min} = \dfrac{hc}{E} = \dfrac{1240\ \mathrm{eV\,nm}}{4.9\ \mathrm{eV}} \approx 253\ \mathrm{nm}\).
This is closest to 250 nm.
Answer: (2) \(250\ \mathrm{nm}\)
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top JEE Main Physics Questions

View More Questions