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Wavelength Formula:
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The Wavelength Calculator determines the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed when an electron transitions between energy levels, based on the energy difference between those levels.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the wavelength of photons emitted or absorbed during electronic transitions between quantized energy levels.
Details: Calculating wavelength from energy differences is fundamental in spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and understanding atomic and molecular transitions. It helps identify elements through their emission/absorption spectra.
Tips: Enter the energy difference in joules. The value must be positive and greater than zero. The result will be the corresponding wavelength in meters.
Q1: What if my energy difference is in electronvolts (eV)?
A: Convert eV to joules first (1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J) before using this calculator.
Q2: Can this calculate energy from wavelength?
A: This calculator specifically calculates wavelength from energy. The reverse calculation would use ΔE = h·c/λ.
Q3: Why is the result in meters?
A: The SI unit for wavelength is meters. For electromagnetic radiation, wavelengths are often expressed in nanometers (1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m).
Q4: What are typical energy differences in atomic transitions?
A: Atomic transitions typically involve energy differences on the order of 10⁻¹⁸ to 10⁻¹⁹ J, corresponding to wavelengths in the visible and UV range.
Q5: Does this apply to all types of electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the formula applies to all electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, depending on the energy difference.