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Photon Energy Equation:
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Photon energy refers to the energy carried by a single photon, which is the fundamental particle of light. The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength.
The calculator uses the photon energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation shows that shorter wavelength photons (e.g., ultraviolet, X-rays) have higher energy than longer wavelength photons (e.g., infrared, radio waves).
Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and various technologies including solar cells, lasers, and medical imaging devices.
Tips: Enter the wavelength of light in meters. The calculator will compute the energy of a single photon using Planck's constant and the speed of light.
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 does wavelength affect photon energy?
A: Photon energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower energy photons.
Q3: What are typical photon energy values?
A: Photon energies range from about 10⁻²⁵ joules for radio waves to 10⁻¹⁵ joules for gamma rays. Visible light photons have energies around 3-4 × 10⁻¹⁹ joules.
Q4: Can this equation be used for all types of electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the equation applies to all electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, as all electromagnetic radiation consists of photons.
Q5: How is photon energy related to frequency?
A: The energy of a photon is also given by E = hν, where ν is the frequency of the radiation. This is equivalent to E = hc/λ since c = νλ.