1. What is the Energy of Light Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the energy of a 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 associated with electromagnetic radiation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy of 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 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). Default values for Planck's constant and speed of light are provided.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for wavelength?
A: The calculator requires meters. Convert nanometers (1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m) or other units before entering.

Q2: Why is Planck's constant so small?
A: Planck's constant relates energy to frequency at quantum scales, where energies are extremely small by everyday standards.

Q3: Can I calculate energy for multiple photons?
A: Yes, multiply the result by the number of photons to get total energy.

Q4: How does this relate to light color?
A: Different colors correspond to different wavelengths, with violet (short λ) having higher energy than red (long λ).

Q5: What if I know frequency instead of wavelength?
A: Use the alternative formula E = h × ν where ν is frequency (Hz).