Wavelength Formula:
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The wavelength from energy formula calculates the wavelength of a photon based on its energy using Planck's constant and the speed of light. This relationship is fundamental in quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula demonstrates the inverse relationship between a photon's energy and its wavelength - higher energy photons have shorter wavelengths.
Details: Calculating wavelength from energy is crucial in various fields including spectroscopy, quantum physics, telecommunications, and understanding electromagnetic radiation properties across different energy levels.
Tips: Enter the photon energy in joules. The energy must be a positive value greater than zero. The calculator will compute the corresponding wavelength in meters.
Q1: What units should I use for energy input?
A: The calculator expects energy input in joules (J). If you have energy in electronvolts (eV), you'll need to convert to joules first (1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J).
Q2: Why is Planck's constant used in this formula?
A: Planck's constant relates the energy of a photon to its frequency, and through the wave equation (c = λν), we can derive the relationship between energy and wavelength.
Q3: What is the typical wavelength range for visible light?
A: Visible light wavelengths range from approximately 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red), corresponding to energies from about 3.26 to 1.65 eV.
Q4: Can this formula be used for all types of electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, this formula applies to all photons across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is theoretically exact for individual photons in vacuum. The accuracy depends on the precision of the input energy value and the constants used.