Calculate the wavelength of a photon

Last Updated: January 12, Fact Checked.

A ground state H atom absorbs a photon of energy 2. As the atom relaxes, it emits two photons: one of wavelength nm to reach an intermediate level, and a second to reach the ground state. What is the wavelength of the second photon emitted? The energy liberated by the electron falling back to the ground state must equal the energy absorbed, i. We can find the energy of the first photon given the wavelength of nm.

Calculate the wavelength of a photon

Many, many problems in physics and chemistry require you to use an energy-to-wavelength calculator. Do you have an energy transition between two states and wonder what wavelength of light this corresponds to? Have you the energy of two waves that have undergone a constructive or destructive interaction and want to find the new wavelength? If so, you've found the right place in Omni's energy-to-wavelength calculator, which will help you learn how to calculate wavelength from energy for a photon or wave! The energy to wavelength formula relies upon two other equations: the wave speed equation and the Planck—Einstein relation. The wave speed equation looks like this:. In most cases, we are looking at how a wave travels through a vacuum. In this case, v v v is actually equal to the speed of light, ,, meters per second , which we denote as c c c. Manipulation of the formulas is then required. First, replace v v v with c c c. Then rearrange the wave speed equation so that frequency is in terms of wavelength.

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The wavelength of photons tells us about their energy. So in this article, we will look at what is the wavelength of photons and how to find it. Let us begin. Photons travel through electromagnetic waves. As the photon is ultimately a part of the electromagnetic wave, its wavelength will be the same as the electromagnetic wave. If the energy and frequency of a photon are known, then from that, one can easily find the wavelength of the photon.

Calculate the wavelength of a photon

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website. To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser. Donate Log in Sign up Search for courses, skills, and videos. Introduction to electromagnetic waves. Properties of electromagnetic radiation and photons. Electromagnetic radiation is one of the many ways that energy travels through space. The heat from a burning fire, the light from the sun, the X-rays used by your doctor, as well as the energy used to cook food in a microwave are all forms of electromagnetic radiation. While these forms of energy might seem quite different from one another, they are related in that they all exhibit wavelike properties. Waves are simply disturbances in a particular physical medium or a field, resulting in a vibration or oscillation. One of the waves is an oscillating magnetic field; the other is an oscillating electric field.

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The speed of light never changes, so v will always equal 3. Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games. However, if for some reason it does not, please check out our other relevant tools: Photon energy calculator ; Wavelength to energy calculator ; and Wavelength calculator. The energy to wavelength formula relies upon two other equations: the wave speed equation and the Planck—Einstein relation. How do these three values change? For example, perhaps you used Joules when you should have used Hertz, so you ended up with the incorrect answer. This value, divided by the given frequency, will give you wavelength. We hope this tool provides you with everything you need to solve your problem. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.

The wavelength calculator can assist you in determining the relationship between frequency and wavelength. Continue reading if you are here to learn how to calculate the frequency of a wave or look for the wavelength formula. Wave velocity v is how fast a wave propagates in a given medium.

By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Congratulations, you have just found your photon's wavelength in meters. Hello, Chris, My strategy for this was subtract the energy of the nm photon to leave an energy difference that would appear in the second emitted photon. Ente Jan 2, First, replace v v v with c c c. Just plug in the wave's speed and frequency to solve for the wavelength. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. Multiply the resulting number by Planck's constant , which is 6. We hope this tool provides you with everything you need to solve your problem. If the frequency of a radio wave is 4. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Check out the impact meat has on the environment and your health. Meredith Juncker, PhD.