Wavelength Frequency And Energy Calculator Equation

Energy and Wavelength Equations:

\[ E = \frac{h c}{\lambda} \] \[ f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \]

Energy (E):

Frequency (f):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What are Wavelength, Frequency and Energy Equations?

The equations describe the fundamental relationships between wavelength (λ), frequency (f), and energy (E) of electromagnetic radiation. These relationships are governed by Planck's constant and the speed of light, forming the basis of quantum mechanics and wave theory.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equations:

\[ E = \frac{h c}{\lambda} \] \[ f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \]

Where:

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

Explanation: These equations show that energy is inversely proportional to wavelength, while frequency is also inversely proportional to wavelength. Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy and higher frequency radiation.

3. Importance of Energy and Frequency Calculation

Details: Calculating energy and frequency from wavelength is crucial in various fields including spectroscopy, quantum physics, telecommunications, and medical imaging. It helps determine the properties of electromagnetic radiation across different wavelengths.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters. The calculator will automatically compute both energy (in joules) and frequency (in hertz). Wavelength must be a positive value greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant (h) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. Its value is approximately 6.626×10⁻³⁴ joule-seconds.

Q2: How are wavelength and frequency related?
A: Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional through the equation f = c/λ, where c is the speed of light. As wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Q3: What units should I use for wavelength?
A: The calculator expects wavelength in meters. For very small wavelengths (like visible light), you may need to use scientific notation (e.g., 5.0e-7 for 500 nm).

Q4: Can I calculate wavelength from energy?
A: Yes, the equation can be rearranged as λ = hc/E. However, this calculator is designed to calculate energy and frequency from wavelength input.

Q5: What are typical energy values for visible light?
A: Visible light photons have energies ranging from approximately 3.1×10⁻¹⁹ J (red light) to 4.1×10⁻¹⁹ J (violet light).