1. What is the Photon Energy Equation?

The photon energy equation relates the energy of a photon to its wavelength using Planck's constant and the speed of light. This fundamental equation in quantum mechanics is essential for understanding light-matter interactions.

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 equation shows that photon energy is inversely proportional to its wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.

3. Importance of Photon Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating photon energy is crucial in fields like spectroscopy, quantum physics, photochemistry, and optical engineering. It helps determine if a photon has enough energy to excite electrons or break chemical bonds.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters (e.g., 500 nm = 5e-7 m). The calculator will compute the corresponding photon energy in Joules.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical photon energy values?
A: Visible light photons range from about 3.1e-19 J (400 nm violet) to 1.6e-19 J (700 nm red). X-rays can be 1e-15 J or higher.

Q2: How can I convert the result to electron volts (eV)?
A: Divide the energy in Joules by 1.60218e-19 to convert to eV.

Q3: Why does the equation use Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant relates the energy of a photon to its frequency (or wavelength), establishing the quantum nature of light.

Q4: Can this be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the equation applies to all photons across the EM spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Q5: What if I know frequency instead of wavelength?
A: Use E = h × ν where ν is frequency. The calculator can be modified to accept frequency input.