Home
Back
Energy Equations:
| From: | To: |
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 capacity to do work. In electromagnetic radiation, these three properties are fundamentally related through Planck's constant and the speed of light.
The calculator uses the fundamental equations:
Where:
Explanation: These equations show the inverse relationship between wavelength and both frequency and energy - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies and higher energy photons.
Details: These calculations are fundamental in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, telecommunications, and understanding electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays.
Tips: Enter wavelength in meters. The calculator will compute both frequency (in Hz) and energy (in J). For very small wavelengths (e.g., visible light), use scientific notation (e.g., 5.0e-7 for 500 nm).
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.
Q2: How are these calculations used in real applications?
A: These calculations are essential in designing optical systems, analyzing spectral data, understanding quantum phenomena, and developing telecommunications technologies.
Q3: What's the relationship between wavelength and energy?
A: Energy is inversely proportional to wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons (e.g., gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths and highest energies).
Q4: Can I calculate wavelength from frequency?
A: Yes, the equations can be rearranged: \( \lambda = \frac{c}{f} \) and \( \lambda = \frac{h c}{E} \).
Q5: What are typical wavelength values?
A: Radio waves: 1m-100km, Microwaves: 1mm-1m, Infrared: 700nm-1mm, Visible: 400-700nm, UV: 10-400nm, X-rays: 0.01-10nm, Gamma rays: <0.01nm.