1. What is the Photon Energy Formula?

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

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 the photon (meters)

Explanation: The energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.

3. Importance of Photon Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in various fields including quantum physics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and optical engineering. It helps determine the energy levels involved in electronic transitions and chemical reactions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters. For nanometer values, divide by 10⁹ (1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m). The wavelength must be a positive value greater than zero.

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 do I convert wavelength from nanometers to meters?
A: Divide the nanometer value by 1,000,000,000 (or multiply by 10⁻⁹). For example, 500 nm = 5 × 10⁻⁷ m.

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

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

Q5: What are typical energy values for visible light photons?
A: Visible light photons (400-700 nm) have energies ranging from approximately 3.1 × 10⁻¹⁹ J to 5.0 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.