1. What Are Wavelength, Frequency, and Energy?

Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave, frequency (f) is the number of waves that pass a point per second, and energy (E) is the energy carried by electromagnetic radiation. These three quantities are fundamentally related in physics, particularly in wave mechanics and quantum physics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental equations:

Where:

• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength in meters (m)
• \( c \) — Speed of light = 3×10⁸ m/s
• \( f \) — Frequency in hertz (Hz)
• \( E \) — Energy in joules (J)
• \( h \) — Planck's constant = 6.626×10⁻³⁴ J·s

Explanation: These equations connect the wave properties of electromagnetic radiation with its particle-like energy characteristics, demonstrating the wave-particle duality of light.

3. Importance of These Calculations

Details: These calculations are essential in various fields including optics, spectroscopy, telecommunications, quantum mechanics, and astronomy. They help determine the properties of electromagnetic waves, from radio waves to gamma rays.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any two known values (wavelength, frequency, or energy) and the calculator will compute the third. All values must be positive. Use scientific notation for very large or very small numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional through the speed of light: longer wavelength means lower frequency, and vice versa.

Q2: How does energy relate to frequency?
A: Energy is directly proportional to frequency: higher frequency electromagnetic waves carry more energy per photon.

Q3: What are typical values for these quantities?
A: Radio waves have long wavelengths (meters to kilometers) and low frequencies/energy, while gamma rays have very short wavelengths (picometers) and high frequencies/energy.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
A: No, these equations are specific to electromagnetic waves. Sound waves travel at different speeds and don't follow the same energy-frequency relationship.

Q5: Why is Planck's constant important?
A: Planck's constant is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, bridging classical and quantum physics.