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Physcial Chemistry:Ch 10 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Carotenes are molecul

ID: 946362 • Letter: P

Question

Physcial Chemistry:Ch 10 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Carotenes are molecules with alternating C–C and C=C bonds in which the electrons are delocalized across the entire alternating bond system. As such, the electrons can be approximated as being a particle-in-a-box. Lycopene is a carotene found in tomatoes and watermelon. Assuming that the alternating carbon-carbon bond system is 2.64 nm wide:

(a) What is the energy of the n = 11 level?

(b) What is the energy of the n = 12 level?

(c) What is the E between n = 11 and n = 12?

(d) If, by the Bohr frequency condition, E = h, what frequency and wavelength of light corresponds to the transition from n = 11 to n = 12?

Answer:

(a) 1.05×1018 J (b) 1.24×1018 J (c) 1.9×1019 J (d) = 2.87×1014 s 1 , = 1.05 µm

Explanation / Answer

E = n2h2/8ml2

Given that l = 2.64 nm = 2.64 x 10-9 m

m = mass of electron = 9.1 x 10-31 kg

a) energy of the n = 11 level

E = n2h2/8ml2

   = (11)2 (6.626 x 10-34 J.s)2 / 8 (9.1 x 10-31 kg)(2.64 x 10-9 m)2

   = 1.05×1018 J

b)  energy of the n = 12 level

E = n2h2/8ml2

      = (12)2 (6.626 x 10-34 J.s)2 / 8 (9.1 x 10-31 kg)(2.64 x 10-9 m)2

     = 1.24×1018 J

c)  E between n = 11 and n = 12

  E = 1.24×1018 J - 1.05×1018 J = 1.9×1019 J

d) frequency:

  E = h

v =   E / h =  1.9×1019 J / 6.626 x 10-34 J.s = 2.87×1014 s 1

wavelength:

  E = hc/

= hc/ E = (6.626 x 10-34 J.s ) x( 3 x108 m/s ) / 1.9×1019 J =  1.05 µm