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Photon Energy Equation:
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Photon energy refers to the energy carried by a single photon, which is directly proportional to its electromagnetic frequency. The energy of a photon determines its behavior in various physical phenomena, including the photoelectric effect and quantum interactions.
The calculator uses the photon energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation from quantum mechanics shows that the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, with Planck's constant as the proportionality factor.
Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in various fields including quantum physics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and optical engineering. It helps determine the behavior of light in different materials and is crucial for understanding phenomena like atomic transitions and chemical reactions induced by light.
Tips: Enter the frequency of the photon in Hertz (Hz). The frequency must be a positive value. The calculator will compute the energy using Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J s).
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 in quantum mechanics.
Q2: How is frequency related to wavelength?
A: Frequency and wavelength are inversely related through the speed of light: \( c = f \times \lambda \), where c is the speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s).
Q3: What are typical photon energy values?
A: Photon energies range from about 10⁻²⁵ J for radio waves to 10⁻¹⁵ J for gamma rays, with visible light photons having energies around 10⁻¹⁹ J.
Q4: Can I calculate energy from wavelength instead?
A: Yes, using the relationship \( E = \frac{h \times c}{\lambda} \), where λ is the wavelength and c is the speed of light.
Q5: Why is photon energy important in technology?
A: Photon energy calculations are crucial for designing lasers, solar cells, optical communications systems, and various spectroscopic instruments.