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Photon Energy Equation:
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The photon energy calculation determines the energy of a photon in electronvolts (eV) based on its wavelength in nanometers (nm). This is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and photonics, relating the particle and wave properties of light.
The calculator uses the photon energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation converts the wavelength of light directly to its corresponding energy using the fundamental constants of physics.
Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in various fields including spectroscopy, photochemistry, semiconductor physics, and optical engineering. It helps determine if a photon has sufficient energy to excite electrons, break chemical bonds, or trigger photoelectric effects.
Tips: Enter the wavelength in nanometers (nm). The value must be greater than zero. Common visible light wavelengths range from 380nm (violet) to 750nm (red).
Q1: Why is the constant 1240 used?
A: The constant 1240 comes from the product of Planck's constant (4.135667662 × 10⁻¹⁵ eV·s) and the speed of light (2.99792458 × 10¹⁷ nm/s), rounded for practical calculations.
Q2: What is the energy range for visible light?
A: Visible light photons have energies ranging from approximately 1.65 eV (750nm red) to 3.26 eV (380nm violet).
Q3: Can this formula be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, this formula applies to all photons across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.
Q4: How does photon energy relate to color?
A: Higher energy photons correspond to shorter wavelengths (blue/violet), while lower energy photons correspond to longer wavelengths (red).
Q5: What are typical applications of this calculation?
A: This calculation is used in designing solar cells, analyzing spectral data, determining band gaps in semiconductors, and understanding photochemical reactions.