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The number of photons of wavelength 660 nm emitted per second by an electric bulb of 60 W is ______. (Take h = 6.6×10⁻³⁴ J s)

Asked in GUJCET 2008 · Counting photons

Answer: (2) 2×10²⁰

Step-by-step solution

Given: P = 60 W, λ = 660 nm = 6.6×10⁻⁷ m, h = 6.6×10⁻³⁴ J s, c = 3×10⁸ m s⁻¹.

Idea: photons per second n = P/E, where each photon carries E = (hc)/λ (all 60 W taken as emitted at this wavelength).

E = (6.6×10⁻³⁴×3×10⁸)/(6.6×10⁻⁷) = 3×10⁻¹⁹ J

n = (60)/(3×10⁻¹⁹) = 2×10²⁰ s⁻¹

So the bulb emits 2×10²⁰ photons per second.

Why the other options are wrong

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