1. What is the Photon Energy Equation?

The photon energy equation E = hf describes the energy of a photon in terms of its frequency, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s), and f is the frequency of the photon.

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)
• \( f \) — Frequency of the photon (Hz)

Explanation: The equation shows that the energy of a photon is directly proportional to 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 light-matter interactions. It helps determine whether a photon has sufficient energy to cause electronic transitions or chemical reactions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the frequency of the photon in hertz (Hz). The value must be positive and greater than zero.

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: Can I calculate energy using wavelength instead of frequency?
A: Yes, using the equation E = hc/λ, where c is the speed of light and λ is the wavelength.

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 their frequency.

Q4: Why is photon energy important in chemistry?
A: Photon energy determines whether light can initiate chemical reactions (photochemistry) or cause electronic transitions in atoms and molecules.

Q5: How is this equation used in technology?
A: The equation is fundamental in designing lasers, LED lights, solar cells, and various optical and spectroscopic instruments.