1. What is the Photon Energy Equation?

The photon energy equation \( E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} \) calculates the energy of a single photon of light based on its wavelength. This fundamental equation in quantum mechanics relates the particle nature of light to its wave properties.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the photon energy equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy of the 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 photon energy is inversely proportional to wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.

3. Importance of Photon Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in various fields including spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, photochemistry, and optical engineering. It helps determine if light has sufficient energy to cause electronic transitions or chemical reactions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters. For common light sources, remember that visible light ranges from approximately 380-750 nanometers (3.8×10⁻⁷ to 7.5×10⁻⁷ m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency.

Q2: Can I use other wavelength units?
A: Yes, but you must convert to meters first. Common conversions: 1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m, 1 μm = 10⁻⁶ m.

Q3: What is the typical energy range for visible light photons?
A: Visible light photons have energies between approximately 1.65-3.26 eV (2.64-5.22 × 10⁻¹⁹ J).

Q4: How does photon energy relate to color?
A: Higher energy photons correspond to violet/blue light, while lower energy photons correspond to red light.

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.