1. What is a Photon Energy Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates 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 determine the quantum energy of electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths.

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 correspond to higher energy photons.

3. Importance of Photon Energy Calculation

Details: Understanding photon energy is crucial in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and technologies like lasers and solar cells.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters (e.g., 500 nm = 5E-7 m), Planck's constant (default 6.626E-34 J·s), and speed of light (default 3E8 m/s). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is Planck's constant important?
A: Planck's constant relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, serving as the fundamental constant of quantum mechanics.

Q2: What's a typical wavelength range?
A: Visible light ranges from 380-750 nm (3.8E-7 to 7.5E-7 m), while X-rays are about 1E-10 to 1E-8 m.

Q3: How do I convert between wavelength and frequency?
A: Use \( c = \lambda \times \nu \), where \( \nu \) is frequency. Our Frequency Calculator can help with this conversion.

Q4: Can I calculate energy in electronvolts?
A: Yes, divide the result in joules by 1.60218E-19 to convert to eV.

Q5: Does this work for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the formula applies to all photons from radio waves to gamma rays.