1. What is the Photon Energy Equation?

The photon energy equation \( E = \frac{h c}{\lambda} \) calculates the energy of a photon from its wavelength, where h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength. This fundamental equation in quantum mechanics relates the particle and wave properties of light.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the photon energy equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Photon energy (Joules)
• \( h \) — Planck's constant = 6.626×10⁻³⁴ J·s
• \( c \) — Speed of light = 3×10⁸ m/s
• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (meters)

Explanation: The calculator converts input wavelength from nanometers to meters, then applies the equation to compute photon energy in Joules.

3. Importance of Photon Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in various fields including quantum physics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and optical engineering. It helps determine the energy required for electronic transitions, chemical reactions, and the behavior of light-matter interactions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wavelength in nanometers (nm). The value must be positive and non-zero. The calculator will automatically convert to meters and compute the corresponding photon energy.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert wavelength from nm to meters?
A: The equation requires consistent SI units. Planck's constant uses J·s and speed of light uses m/s, so wavelength must be in meters for proper dimensional analysis.

Q2: Can I calculate energy for multiple photons?
A: This equation gives energy per single photon. For multiple photons, multiply the result by the number of photons.

Q3: How can I convert energy to electronvolts (eV)?
A: Divide the energy in Joules by 1.602×10⁻¹⁹ to convert to electronvolts (1 eV = 1.602×10⁻¹⁹ J).

Q4: What is the relationship between wavelength and energy?
A: Energy is inversely proportional to wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: This equation applies to photons in vacuum. For other media, the speed of light would be different, requiring adjustment of the calculation.