1. What is Photon Energy?

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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the photon energy equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation shows that shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower 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 the behavior of light-matter interactions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters. The value must be greater than zero. For nanometer inputs, divide by 10⁹ to convert to meters.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant (h) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. Its value is approximately 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ joule-seconds.

Q2: How do I convert wavelength from nanometers to meters?
A: To convert nanometers to meters, divide by 1,000,000,000 (10⁹). For example, 500 nm = 500 × 10⁻⁹ m = 5 × 10⁻⁷ m.

Q3: What is the relationship between photon energy and wavelength?
A: Photon energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. As wavelength increases, photon energy decreases, and vice versa.

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

Q5: How is photon energy related to frequency?
A: Photon energy is directly proportional to frequency: E = h × f, where f is frequency in hertz.