probably a stupid question but I just can't seem to figure it out. can someone lead me through the steps please? 🙁
AAMC FL1 CP #17
- Thread starter MC789
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Hi @MC789 ,
This question is directly testing the equation E = hf, which allows you to calculate the energy of a photon based on its frequency. They give you h (Planck's constant), so your task is to convert 610 THz into scientific notation (= 6.1 x 10^12 Hz) and multiply it by h (6.6 x 10^-34 J*s). At this point, it's mostly about doing math with scientific notation quickly.
A shortcut would be to focus on the numerals before the power of 10, and realize that 6.1 x 10^something * 6.6 x 10^something will be somewhere in between 3.6 * 10^something and 4.2 * 10^something, and this insight alone can allow you to pick D. The basis for this is recognizing that you have to multiply those terms, and 6.1 * 6.6 will be something greater than 36 (6 x 6) but less than 42 (6 x 7). Converting 36 and 42 back into the format with a decimal point placed appropriately for scientific notation, you get 3.6 * 10^something and 4.2 * 10^something. You can also focus on the exponents first, or do both at the same time. If the mechanics of this seem confusing, I'd suggest looking into ways to practice scientific notation (tons of these tools are available online if you Google around).
Hope this helps!!
This question is directly testing the equation E = hf, which allows you to calculate the energy of a photon based on its frequency. They give you h (Planck's constant), so your task is to convert 610 THz into scientific notation (= 6.1 x 10^12 Hz) and multiply it by h (6.6 x 10^-34 J*s). At this point, it's mostly about doing math with scientific notation quickly.
A shortcut would be to focus on the numerals before the power of 10, and realize that 6.1 x 10^something * 6.6 x 10^something will be somewhere in between 3.6 * 10^something and 4.2 * 10^something, and this insight alone can allow you to pick D. The basis for this is recognizing that you have to multiply those terms, and 6.1 * 6.6 will be something greater than 36 (6 x 6) but less than 42 (6 x 7). Converting 36 and 42 back into the format with a decimal point placed appropriately for scientific notation, you get 3.6 * 10^something and 4.2 * 10^something. You can also focus on the exponents first, or do both at the same time. If the mechanics of this seem confusing, I'd suggest looking into ways to practice scientific notation (tons of these tools are available online if you Google around).
Hope this helps!!
