Meaning of frequency and wavelength of photon

In summary, the frequency of a photon refers to the number of wave cycles per second while its wavelength is the distance between two consecutive wave peaks. These two properties are inversely proportional to each other, meaning that as frequency increases, wavelength decreases and vice versa. The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength, with shorter wavelengths carrying more energy than longer wavelengths. The colors of a photon are determined by its frequency and wavelength, with shorter wavelengths corresponding to higher frequencies and vice versa. The frequency and wavelength of a photon can change when interacting with matter, traveling through different mediums, or due to the Doppler effect.
  • #1
amaresh92
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can anyone tell me the meaning of frequency and wavelength of photon.what exactly it indicates?As it is particle then how it can have frequency and wavelength?frequecy is charaterstics of wave.
 
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  • #2


According to quantum mechanics all physical objects have both wave-like (wavelength, frequency, ...) and particle-like ("energy-lump", momentum, ...) properties.

For a photon that means you can observe interference e.g. in the double slit experiment which indicates wave-like behaviour; it's the el.-mag. field strength that oscillates. Yyou can observe particle-like behaviour like in the photo effect and the Compton effect.
 

1. What is the meaning of frequency and wavelength of a photon?

The frequency of a photon refers to the number of wave cycles that pass through a specific point in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz). The wavelength of a photon, on the other hand, refers to the distance between two consecutive wave peaks and is measured in meters (m). Together, these two properties determine the energy and behavior of a photon.

2. How are frequency and wavelength related to each other?

Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional to each other. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa. This relationship is defined by the equation: wavelength = speed of light / frequency.

3. What is the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and energy of a photon?

The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the frequency increases, the energy of the photon also increases, while the wavelength decreases. This relationship is defined by the equation: energy = Planck's constant * frequency.

4. How do the frequency and wavelength of a photon relate to its color?

The frequency and wavelength of a photon determine its color. Colors with shorter wavelengths (such as blue and violet) have higher frequencies and carry more energy, while colors with longer wavelengths (such as red and orange) have lower frequencies and carry less energy. This is why blue light has a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than red light.

5. Can the frequency and wavelength of a photon change?

Yes, the frequency and wavelength of a photon can change. This can happen when a photon interacts with matter or travels through different mediums. For example, when a photon passes through a prism, its wavelength changes, resulting in the separation of white light into the different colors of the visible spectrum. Additionally, the frequency and wavelength of a photon can also be affected by the Doppler effect, which occurs when the source of the photon is moving relative to the observer.

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