1. What is Photon Energy?

Photon energy is the energy carried by a single photon, which is a particle of light. The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the photon energy equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The higher the frequency of the light wave, the more energy each photon carries.

3. Importance of Photon Energy

Details: Understanding photon energy helps us understand how light interacts with matter, from photosynthesis in plants to how solar panels generate electricity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the frequency of the light wave in Hertz (Hz). The frequency must be a positive number.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant is a fundamental constant in quantum mechanics that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency.

Q2: What units are used for photon energy?
A: Photon energy is typically measured in Joules (J), though electronvolts (eV) are also commonly used in physics.

Q3: How does frequency affect photon energy?
A: Higher frequency light (like ultraviolet) has more energetic photons than lower frequency light (like radio waves).

Q4: Can this calculator be used for all types of electromagnetic waves?
A: Yes, the equation works for all electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Q5: Why is photon energy important for kids to learn?
A: Understanding photon energy helps explain many everyday phenomena like why some light can cause sunburns while other light doesn't.