1. What is Photon Energy?

Photon energy is the energy carried by a single photon, which is directly proportional to its electromagnetic frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. This relationship is fundamental in quantum mechanics and optics.

2. The Photon Energy Equation

The calculator uses the photon energy equation:

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: Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower energy photons.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This calculation is essential in fields like spectroscopy, quantum physics, optical communications, and photovoltaics. It helps determine the energy of light at different wavelengths.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters (for visible light, typically 400-700 nm or 4e-7 to 7e-7 m). The calculator provides results in both Joules and electron volts (eV).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is photon energy important?
A: It determines how light interacts with matter, affecting chemical reactions, electronic transitions, and energy conversion processes.

Q2: What's the relationship between wavelength and energy?
A: They have an inverse relationship - as wavelength increases, energy decreases, and vice versa.

Q3: What's the typical energy range for visible light?
A: About 1.8 eV (red) to 3.1 eV (violet), corresponding to wavelengths of 700 nm to 400 nm.

Q4: How do I convert between meters and nanometers?
A: 1 meter = 10⁹ nanometers. For example, 500 nm = 500 × 10⁻⁹ m = 5e-7 m.

Q5: What is the significance of electron volts?
A: Electron volts (eV) are a convenient unit for atomic-scale energies, where 1 eV is the energy an electron gains moving through 1 volt potential.