Energy from Frequency Calculator

Calculate the energy of photons based on their frequency using the Planck-Einstein relation. Convert between different units of energy and frequency with ease.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the frequency value of the electromagnetic radiation
Select the appropriate frequency unit from the dropdown menu
Choose your desired energy unit for the output
Click Calculate to see the energy of the photon at that frequency

Formula Used

E = h × f

Where:

E = Energy of the photon
h = Planck's constant (6.62607015 × 10^-34 J·s)
f = Frequency of the electromagnetic radiation

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

Calculate the energy of a photon of visible green light with a frequency of 5.5 × 10^14 Hz.

Given:

Frequency (f) = 5.5 × 10^14 Hz
Planck's constant (h) = 6.62607015 × 10^-34 J·s

Calculation:

E = h × f = (6.62607015 × 10^-34 J·s) × (5.5 × 10^14 Hz) = 3.64 × 10^-19 J

Converting to electronvolts: 3.64 × 10^-19 J ÷ 1.602176634 × 10^-19 J/eV = 2.27 eV

Result: A photon of green light has an energy of approximately 3.64 × 10^-19 Joules or 2.27 electronvolts.

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

Designing solar panels and photovoltaic cells
Understanding photoelectric effect in physics
Developing medical imaging technologies
Analyzing astronomical observations

Key Benefits

Helps understand quantum mechanics principles
Enables conversion between different energy units
Provides insights into electromagnetic spectrum
Supports research in photonics and optics

Common Mistakes & Tips

Always ensure you're using the correct frequency unit. The Planck-Einstein relation requires frequency in Hertz (Hz). If your frequency is given in kHz, MHz, GHz, or THz, make sure to select the appropriate unit from the dropdown menu to ensure accurate conversion.

Frequency and wavelength are related but different properties of electromagnetic radiation. This calculator uses frequency, not wavelength. If you have the wavelength (λ), you can calculate frequency using the formula f = c/λ, where c is the speed of light (approximately 3 × 10^8 m/s).

Frequently Asked Questions

Planck's constant (h) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. Its value is exactly 6.62607015 × 10^-34 joule-seconds (J·s) as defined by the International System of Units (SI). It was first proposed by Max Planck in 1900 as part of his work on black-body radiation.

According to the Planck-Einstein relation, the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency. This means that higher frequency electromagnetic radiation (like X-rays and gamma rays) has more energy per photon than lower frequency radiation (like radio waves and microwaves).

Electronvolts (eV) are often more convenient for expressing photon energy because the energy of a single photon is typically very small in joules. One electronvolt is equal to the energy gained by an electron when it moves through an electric potential difference of one volt, which is approximately 1.602176634 × 10^-19 joules. This unit is more suitable for the energy scale of individual photons.

References & Disclaimer

Scientific Disclaimer

This calculator provides theoretical values based on the Planck-Einstein relation. While we strive for accuracy, the results should be used for educational and reference purposes only. For precise scientific calculations, consult with qualified professionals and peer-reviewed scientific literature.

References

NIST Reference on Constants, Units, and Uncertainty: Planck Constant - National Institute of Standards and Technology
Planck-Einstein Relation - Wikipedia
Planck's Constant - Encyclopaedia Britannica

Accuracy Notice

This calculator uses the exact value of Planck's constant as defined by the International System of Units (SI). The conversion factors between different units are based on standard values. For applications requiring extreme precision, verify the results with specialized scientific equipment or software.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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