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Photon Energy Equation:
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The photon energy equation \( E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} \) calculates the energy of a photon based on its wavelength, where h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength. This fundamental equation in quantum mechanics relates the particle and wave properties of light.
The calculator uses the photon energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that photon energy is inversely proportional to its wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.
Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in various fields including spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, photochemistry, and optical engineering. It helps determine the energy required for electronic transitions, chemical reactions, and the behavior of light in different materials.
Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters. For common wavelengths, remember that 1 nanometer = 10⁻⁹ meters. The wavelength must be greater than zero.
Q1: What are typical wavelength values for visible light?
A: Visible light ranges from approximately 380-750 nanometers (3.8 × 10⁻⁷ to 7.5 × 10⁻⁷ meters).
Q2: How does photon energy relate to frequency?
A: Photon energy can also be calculated as E = hf, where f is frequency. This is equivalent to E = hc/λ since c = fλ.
Q3: What is the energy range for visible light photons?
A: Approximately 1.65 to 3.26 electronvolts (2.64 × 10⁻¹⁹ to 5.23 × 10⁻¹⁹ Joules).
Q4: Why is Planck's constant so small?
A: Planck's constant is small because it relates energy to frequency at the quantum scale, where individual photon energies are extremely small compared to macroscopic energy measurements.
Q5: Can this equation be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the equation applies to all photons across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.