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Photon Wavelength Formula:
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The wavelength of a photon is the distance between consecutive peaks of the electromagnetic wave associated with the photon. It is inversely proportional to the photon's energy and determines the photon's position in the electromagnetic spectrum.
The calculator uses the photon wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light, showing how the energy of a photon relates to its wavelength through fundamental physical constants.
Details: Calculating photon wavelength is essential in various fields including quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, telecommunications, and medical imaging. It helps determine the nature of electromagnetic radiation and its interactions with matter.
Tips: Enter the photon energy in joules (J). The value must be positive and greater than zero. The calculator will compute the corresponding wavelength in meters.
Q1: What is the relationship between energy and wavelength?
A: Energy and wavelength have an inverse relationship. Higher energy photons have shorter wavelengths, while lower energy photons have longer wavelengths.
Q2: How can I convert electron volts (eV) to joules (J)?
A: 1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J. Multiply the energy in eV by this conversion factor to get energy in joules.
Q3: What are typical wavelength ranges for different types of radiation?
A: Gamma rays: <10 pm, X-rays: 0.01-10 nm, Visible light: 380-750 nm, Radio waves: >1 mm.
Q4: Why is Planck's constant important in this calculation?
A: Planck's constant relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, which is fundamental to quantum mechanics and the particle nature of light.
Q5: Can this formula be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, this formula applies to all photons across the electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma rays to radio waves.