1. What is the Photon Energy Equation?

The photon energy equation (E = h × f) relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, where h is Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s) and f is the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the photon energy equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy of the photon (Joules)
• \( h \) — Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
• \( f \) — Frequency of the photon (Hz)

Explanation: The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency. Higher frequency photons (like gamma rays) have more energy than lower frequency photons (like radio waves).

3. Importance of Photon Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating photon energy is essential in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and understanding electromagnetic radiation interactions with matter.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the frequency in Hertz (Hz). The frequency must be a positive number. The result will be given in Joules (J).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant (h) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. Its value is approximately 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s.

Q2: How is this related to the wavelength equation?
A: The energy can also be calculated using wavelength (λ) with the equation E = (h × c)/λ, where c is the speed of light.

Q3: What are typical photon energies?
A: Visible light photons have energies around 10⁻¹⁹ J, while X-ray photons might be 10⁻¹⁵ J or higher.

Q4: Why is photon energy important?
A: It determines how photons interact with matter, including whether they can ionize atoms or excite electrons to higher energy levels.

Q5: Can this be used for all electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, this equation applies to all photons across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.