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Photon Energy Equation:
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The photon energy equation \( E = h \times f \) relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, where \( h \) is Planck's constant. This fundamental equation in quantum mechanics describes the energy carried by electromagnetic radiation.
The calculator uses the photon energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency. Higher frequency light (like gamma rays) carries more energy per photon than lower frequency light (like radio waves).
Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in quantum physics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and understanding light-matter interactions. It helps determine whether light can induce electronic transitions in atoms or molecules.
Tips: Enter the frequency in hertz (Hz). The calculator will compute the energy in joules. For visible light, frequencies are typically in the range of 400-790 THz (4×10¹⁴ to 7.9×10¹⁴ Hz).
Q1: How does photon energy relate to wavelength?
A: Energy can also be calculated using wavelength: \( E = \frac{h \times c}{\lambda} \), where \( c \) is the speed of light and \( \lambda \) is wavelength.
Q2: What is Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant (6.62607015×10⁻³⁴ J·s) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency.
Q3: What are typical photon energies?
A: Radio wave photons have energies around 10⁻⁹ eV, visible light photons 1-3 eV, X-ray photons keV to MeV, and gamma rays MeV to GeV.
Q4: Why is photon energy important in chemistry?
A: It determines whether light can break chemical bonds or excite electrons to higher energy levels, driving photochemical reactions.
Q5: Can this equation be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, it applies to all frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.