1. What is Energy from Wavelength Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps physicists, chemists, and students determine the energy of electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths.

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 (meters)

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

3. Importance of Energy Calculation

Details: This calculation is fundamental in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and understanding electromagnetic radiation properties.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters. Planck's constant and speed of light are pre-filled with standard values. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is energy inversely proportional to wavelength?
A: This is a fundamental relationship in quantum mechanics where shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequency and thus higher energy photons.

Q2: What units should I use for wavelength?
A: The calculator uses meters. For nanometers (nm), multiply by 10⁻⁹ before entering.

Q3: Can I calculate wavelength from energy?
A: Yes, simply rearrange the formula: λ = (h × c)/E.

Q4: What's the energy range for visible light?
A: Approximately 1.6-3.1 eV (2.56-4.96 × 10⁻¹⁹ J) for 400-700 nm wavelengths.

Q5: Why are the results in scientific notation?
A: Photon energies are extremely small numbers, so scientific notation provides clearer representation.