Join WhatsApp Icon JEE WhatsApp Group
Question 18

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Two photons having equal linear momenta have equal wavelengths.
Statement II: If the wavelength of the photon is decreased, then the momentum and energy of a photon will also decrease.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

We analyse each statement one by one.

Statement I: The momentum of a photon is given by $$p = \frac{h}{\lambda}$$, where $$h$$ is Planck's constant and $$\lambda$$ is the wavelength. If two photons have equal linear momenta, then $$\frac{h}{\lambda_1} = \frac{h}{\lambda_2}$$, which gives $$\lambda_1 = \lambda_2$$. So two photons with equal linear momenta must have equal wavelengths. Statement I is true.

Statement II: The momentum of a photon is $$p = \frac{h}{\lambda}$$ and its energy is $$E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$$. If the wavelength $$\lambda$$ decreases, then $$p = \frac{h}{\lambda}$$ increases (since $$\lambda$$ is in the denominator). Similarly, $$E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$$ also increases. So when wavelength decreases, both momentum and energy increase, not decrease. Statement II is false.

Hence, the correct answer is Option C.

Get AI Help

Video Solution

video

Create a FREE account and get:

  • Free JEE Mains Previous Papers PDF
  • Take JEE Mains paper tests
Ask AI