Photon Energy Calculator

Calculate photon energy, frequency, and wavelength using Planck's equation and electromagnetic spectrum analysis

Calculate Photon Energy

Oscillation frequency of electromagnetic wave

Calculate total energy for multiple photons

Photon Properties

0.000
Energy (μeV)
0.000
Frequency (Hz)
0.000
Wavelength (fm)

Single Photon

Energy (J): 0.000e+0

Momentum: 0.000e+0 kg⋅m/s

Period: 0 s

Multiple Photons

Count: 1

Total Energy: 0.000 μeV

Total Energy (J): 0.000e+0

Planck's Equation: E = hf = hc/λ = 0.000 eV

Wave-particle duality: f = 0.000 Hz, λ = 0.000 fm

Example Calculation

Green Light Photon

Wavelength: 520 nm (green light)

Frequency: f = c/λ = 3×10⁸ m/s ÷ 520×10⁻⁹ m = 5.77×10¹⁴ Hz

Energy: E = hf = 6.626×10⁻³⁴ × 5.77×10¹⁴ = 3.82×10⁻¹⁹ J

Energy (eV): E = 3.82×10⁻¹⁹ ÷ 1.602×10⁻¹⁹ = 2.38 eV

X-ray Photon

Energy: 10 keV (medical X-ray)

Frequency: f = E/h = 10 keV ÷ 4.136×10⁻¹⁵ eV⋅s = 2.42×10¹⁸ Hz

Wavelength: λ = c/f = 3×10⁸ ÷ 2.42×10¹⁸ = 0.124 nm

Classification: Hard X-ray region

Physics Constants

Planck constant (h)6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J⋅s
Speed of light (c)2.998 × 10⁸ m/s
Electron charge (e)1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C
h (eV⋅s)4.136 × 10⁻¹⁵ eV⋅s

EM Spectrum Regions

Radio waves
0 THz
Microwave
0 THz
Infrared
0 THz
Visible light
430 THz
Ultraviolet
789 THz
X-rays
30000 THz
Gamma rays
>30000000 THz

Common Photons

Radio FM4 neV
Microwave1 μeV
Infrared0.1 eV
Red light1.8 eV
Blue light2.8 eV
UV-C5 eV
X-rays10 keV
Gamma rays1 MeV

Understanding Photon Energy

What is a Photon?

A photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy, the fundamental particle of light. Despite having no mass, photons carry both energy and momentum, exhibiting wave-particle duality that is central to quantum mechanics.

Energy-Frequency Relationship

  • Higher frequency means higher energy
  • Energy is directly proportional to frequency
  • Energy is inversely proportional to wavelength
  • Planck's constant is the proportionality factor

Planck's Equation

E = hf = hc/λ

  • E: Energy of the photon
  • h: Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J⋅s)
  • f: Frequency of electromagnetic radiation
  • c: Speed of light (2.998 × 10⁸ m/s)
  • λ: Wavelength of electromagnetic radiation

Note: This equation revolutionized physics by introducing quantum mechanics and explaining blackbody radiation and the photoelectric effect.

Applications of Photon Energy

Quantum Technologies

Photon energy calculations are essential for quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and single-photon detection systems.

Medical Physics

X-ray and gamma-ray energies determine penetration depth and biological effects in medical imaging and radiation therapy.

Spectroscopy

Photon energies reveal molecular and atomic structure through absorption and emission spectroscopy techniques.