1. What is a Wavelength of Light Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps physicists, chemists, and students understand the relationship between photon energy and wavelength in electromagnetic radiation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The product of Planck's constant and speed of light is divided by the photon energy to determine wavelength.

3. Importance of Wavelength Calculation

Details: Understanding wavelength is crucial in spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and studying light-matter interactions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the photon energy in joules. Default values are provided for Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s) and speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Planck's constant?
A: A fundamental constant in quantum mechanics that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency.

Q2: Why is the speed of light important in this calculation?
A: The speed of light connects the wave and particle nature of electromagnetic radiation.

Q3: What units should I use for photon energy?
A: The calculator uses joules, but you can convert from electronvolts (1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J).

Q4: What range of wavelengths can this calculate?
A: It works for all electromagnetic radiation, from gamma rays to radio waves.

Q5: How precise are the results?
A: Results are precise to 20 decimal places, though practical measurements rarely need this precision.