The eyes of some reptiles are sensitive to 850 nm light. If the minimum energy to trigger the receptor at this wavelength is 3.15 x 10-14 J, what is the minimum number of 850 nm photons that must hit the receptor in order for it to be triggered

Minimum number of photons required is 1.35 x 10⁵

Explanation:

Given:

Wavelength of the light, λ = 850 nm = 850 x 10⁻⁹ m

Energy of one photon is given by the relation :

   ....(1)

Here h is Planck's constant and c is speed of light.

Let N be the minimum number of photons needed for triggering receptor.

Minimum energy required for triggering receptor, E₁ = 3.15 x 10⁻¹⁴ J

According to the problem, energy of N number of photons is equal to the energy required for triggering, that is,

E₁ = N x E

Put equation (1) in the above equation.

Substitute 3.15 x 10⁻¹⁴ J for E₁, 850 x 10⁻⁹ m for λ, 6.6 x 10⁻³⁴ J s for h and 3 x 10⁸ m/s for c in the above equation.

N = 1.35 x 10⁵