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Wavelength to Energy Equation:
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The wavelength to energy equation \( E = \frac{h \times c}{\lambda} \) calculates the energy of a photon based on its wavelength. This fundamental physics equation relates the energy of electromagnetic radiation to its wavelength through Planck's constant and the speed of light.
The calculator uses the wavelength to energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation demonstrates the inverse relationship between photon energy and wavelength - shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons.
Details: Calculating photon energy from wavelength is essential in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and various applications including laser technology, medical imaging, and solar energy research.
Tips: Enter wavelength in meters. For nanometer inputs, divide by 10⁹ (1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m). The wavelength must be greater than zero.
Q1: Why is the energy inversely proportional to wavelength?
A: According to quantum mechanics, photon energy is directly proportional to frequency (E = hf), and since frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength (c = fλ), energy is inversely proportional to wavelength.
Q2: What are typical energy values for visible light?
A: Visible light wavelengths (380-750 nm) correspond to energies of approximately 1.65-3.26 eV or 2.64-5.22 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.
Q3: Can this equation be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the equation applies to all electromagnetic radiation from radio waves to gamma rays, though the energy values vary dramatically across the spectrum.
Q4: What are the units for the result?
A: The result is in joules (J), though often converted to electronvolts (1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J) for atomic-scale applications.
Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The equation assumes photons in vacuum and doesn't account for relativistic effects at extremely high energies or quantum gravitational effects.