1. What is the Energy of Light Equation?

The energy of light equation (E = hc/λ) calculates the energy of a photon based on its wavelength. This fundamental equation in quantum mechanics and chemistry relates the particle and wave properties of light.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the energy of light equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy of photon (Joules)
• \( h \) — Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
• \( c \) — Speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s)
• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength of light (meters)

Explanation: The equation shows that energy is inversely proportional to wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.

3. Importance of Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in spectroscopy, photochemistry, quantum mechanics, and understanding atomic and molecular transitions. It helps determine if light has sufficient energy to cause chemical reactions or electronic excitations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wavelength in meters. For nanometer values, divide by 10⁹ (1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m). The wavelength must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical energy values for visible light?
A: Visible light (400-700 nm) has energies ranging from approximately 3.1 to 1.8 eV (5.0 × 10⁻¹⁹ to 2.8 × 10⁻¹⁹ J).

Q2: How does energy relate to frequency?
A: Energy can also be calculated as E = hν, where ν is frequency. This is equivalent to E = hc/λ since c = νλ.

Q3: Why is Planck's constant important?
A: Planck's constant is the fundamental proportionality constant that relates energy to frequency in quantum mechanics.

Q4: Can this equation be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the equation applies to all electromagnetic waves, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Q5: How is this used in practical applications?
A: This calculation is used in spectroscopy, laser technology, photovoltaic cells, and understanding chemical bonding and reactions.