1. What is the Photon Energy Equation?

The photon energy equation E = h × f calculates the energy of a photon emitted or absorbed, where E is energy in joules, h is Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s), and f is the frequency in hertz.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the photon energy equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy in joules (J)
• \( h \) — Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
• \( f \) — Frequency in hertz (Hz)

Explanation: The equation shows the direct proportionality between a photon's energy and its frequency, with Planck's constant as the proportionality factor.

3. Importance of Photon Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and understanding electromagnetic radiation interactions with matter.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter frequency in hertz (Hz). The value must be positive and non-zero for accurate calculation.

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: How is this related to wavelength?
A: Using the relationship c = λ × f (where c is speed of light), the equation can also be written as E = h × c / λ.

Q3: What are typical energy values for photons?
A: Photon energies range from about 10⁻²⁵ J for radio waves to 10⁻¹⁵ J for gamma rays, depending on frequency.

Q4: Why is this equation important in quantum mechanics?
A: This equation was fundamental in the development of quantum theory, showing that energy is quantized rather than continuous.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the equation applies to all photons across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.