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Planck-Einstein Relation:
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The Planck-Einstein relation describes the relationship between the energy of a photon and its wavelength. It is fundamental to quantum mechanics and explains how energy is quantized in electromagnetic radiation.
The calculator uses the Planck-Einstein relation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation shows that the energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.
Details: Calculating photon energy is crucial in various fields including quantum physics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and telecommunications. It helps determine the behavior of light-matter interactions.
Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters. For common light wavelengths, remember that visible light ranges from approximately 380-750 nanometers (3.8×10⁻⁷ to 7.5×10⁻⁷ m).
Q1: What are typical energy values for visible light?
A: Visible light photons have energies ranging from approximately 1.65 to 3.26 electronvolts (2.64×10⁻¹⁹ to 5.22×10⁻¹⁹ Joules).
Q2: How does this relate to the electromagnetic spectrum?
A: The equation explains why gamma rays (short wavelength) are highly energetic while radio waves (long wavelength) have low energy.
Q3: Can I use other units for wavelength?
A: Yes, but you must convert to meters first as the constants are in SI units. Common conversions: 1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m, 1 μm = 10⁻⁶ m.
Q4: What is the significance of Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant is a fundamental physical constant that sets the scale of quantum effects and represents the smallest action possible in quantum mechanics.
Q5: How is this equation used in practical applications?
A: It's used in designing lasers, understanding solar cell efficiency, analyzing spectroscopic data, and in various medical imaging technologies.