1. What is Photon Energy Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the energy of a light photon based on its wavelength using Planck's constant and the speed of light.

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:

• \( E \) — 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 energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength - shorter wavelengths have higher energy.

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 = 5.0 × 10⁻⁷ m). Planck's constant and speed of light have default scientific values.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is Planck's constant important?
A: It's a fundamental constant that relates the energy of a photon to its electromagnetic wave frequency.

Q2: What's a typical visible light wavelength?
A: Visible light ranges from about 380 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red), or 3.8 × 10⁻⁷ to 7.0 × 10⁻⁷ meters.

Q3: How does energy relate to light color?
A: Violet light (shorter λ) has higher energy than red light (longer λ) in the visible spectrum.

Q4: Can I calculate energy in electronvolts?
A: Yes, divide the result in joules by 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ to convert to eV.

Q5: What if my wavelength is in nanometers?
A: Convert nm to meters by multiplying by 10⁻⁹ (e.g., 500 nm = 5.0 × 10⁻⁷ m).