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Photon Energy Equation:
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The photon energy equation calculates the energy of a photon based on its wavelength. This fundamental physics equation is derived from Planck's relation and is essential in quantum mechanics and optics.
The calculator uses the photon energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that photon energy is inversely proportional to its wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.
Details: Calculating photon energy is crucial in various fields including spectroscopy, photochemistry, optical communications, and understanding light-matter interactions at the quantum level.
Tips: Enter wavelength in meters. The value must be positive and non-zero. For best results, use scientific notation for very small wavelengths (e.g., 5.0e-7 for 500 nm).
Q1: What are typical photon energy values?
A: Visible light photons have energies around 2-3 eV (3.2-4.8×10⁻¹⁹ J), while X-ray photons can have energies thousands of times higher.
Q2: How does wavelength relate to photon color?
A: Different wavelengths correspond to different colors in the visible spectrum, with violet having the shortest wavelength/highest energy and red having the longest wavelength/lowest energy.
Q3: Can I use other units for wavelength?
A: Yes, but you must convert to meters first. 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 relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, representing the quantum of action in quantum mechanics.
Q5: How is this equation used in practical applications?
A: This equation is used in designing lasers, analyzing spectral data, calculating photon energies in medical imaging, and understanding photoelectric effect applications.