1. What is Photon Energy Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the energy of a photon based on its wavelength using Planck's equation.

Purpose: It helps physicists, chemists, and students understand the quantum energy of electromagnetic radiation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy of the photon (joules)
• \( h \) — Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
• \( c \) — Speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s)
• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength of the photon (meters)

Explanation: The energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.

3. Importance of Photon Energy Calculation

Details: Understanding photon energy is crucial in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and optical technologies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters (e.g., 500 nm = 5×10⁻⁷ m). Planck's constant and speed of light have default values but can be adjusted for precision calculations.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the energy result so small?
A: Photon energies are typically very small (on the order of 10⁻¹⁹ J) because Planck's constant is extremely small.

Q2: Can I use nanometers for wavelength?
A: Yes, but convert to meters first (1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m). Many visible light wavelengths are 400-700 nm.

Q3: How does this relate to photon frequency?
A: Energy can also be calculated as E = h × ν, where ν is frequency. Frequency and wavelength are related by c = λ × ν.

Q4: What's the typical energy range for visible light?
A: Approximately 3-5 × 10⁻¹⁹ J per photon (or 2-3 eV).

Q5: Why are Planck's constant and light speed fixed?
A: These are fundamental physical constants, though their values can be adjusted for educational purposes or extreme precision work.