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Photon Energy Equation:
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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 physics, photochemistry, and optical engineering. It helps determine the energy required for electronic transitions and chemical reactions.
Tips: Enter the wavelength in nanometers. The calculator will automatically convert it to meters and compute the photon energy using Planck's constant and the speed of light.
Q1: Why is wavelength converted from nm to meters?
A: The fundamental constants (h and c) are defined in SI units, so the wavelength must be in meters for consistent units in the calculation.
Q2: What is the typical energy range for visible light photons?
A: Visible light photons (400-700 nm) have energies ranging from approximately 1.8 to 3.1 electronvolts (2.9 × 10⁻¹⁹ to 5.0 × 10⁻¹⁹ joules).
Q3: How does photon energy relate to color?
A: Higher energy photons correspond to violet/blue light (shorter wavelengths), while lower energy photons correspond to red light (longer wavelengths).
Q4: Can this calculator be used for other electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the same equation applies to all electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.
Q5: What are common units for photon energy?
A: While joules are the SI unit, electronvolts (eV) are commonly used in atomic and particle physics (1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J).