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Photon Energy Formula:
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Photon energy is the energy carried by a single photon, which is directly proportional to its electromagnetic frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and photonics.
The calculator uses the photon energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower energy photons.
Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in various fields including spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, photochemistry, and optical engineering. It helps determine the behavior of light-matter interactions.
Tips: Enter the wavelength in nanometers (nm). The calculator will automatically convert it to meters and compute the photon energy using Planck's constant and the speed of light.
Q1: What is the relationship between wavelength and photon energy?
A: Photon energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. As wavelength increases, photon energy decreases, and vice versa.
Q2: How is photon energy typically measured?
A: Photon energy is most commonly measured in joules (J) or electronvolts (eV). 1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.
Q3: Why is Planck's constant important in this calculation?
A: Planck's constant relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, serving as a fundamental proportionality constant in quantum mechanics.
Q4: What are practical applications of photon energy calculations?
A: Applications include designing laser systems, understanding photosynthesis, developing solar cells, and medical imaging technologies.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for all types of electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the formula applies to all electromagnetic radiation from radio waves to gamma rays, though the energy values will vary significantly across the spectrum.