Is the E=hw Law for Photons Infallible?

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In summary, the equation E=hw, also known as the Planck-Einstein relation, is always true and was discovered by German physicist Max Planck in 1900 and later refined by Albert Einstein in 1905. It can be applied to all forms of energy involving electromagnetic radiation and has significant implications in the development of quantum mechanics and various technologies. While there are no known exceptions to E=hw, it may not accurately describe energy behavior in extreme conditions.
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I_wonder
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Has anyone ever come across any experiments suggesting that the E=hw law for the energy of photons may require some correction, especially in the case of low energy photons ?
 
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E = homework is not a law, in the sense of thermodynamic laws or Newton's laws. E = homework is nothing more than a relationship between a massless particle's energy and the corresponding wave's angular frequency. There may be some research on time-dependencies of h, but I don't know of anything serious.
 
  • #3


I can say that the equation E=hw, also known as the Planck-Einstein relation, is a fundamental law in physics that has been extensively tested and verified through various experiments. It describes the relationship between the energy (E) of a photon and its frequency (w). This relation has been proven to be accurate for all types of photons, including low energy photons.

There have been no experiments that suggest the need for correction in the E=hw law for photons. In fact, the equation has been confirmed by numerous experiments, including the photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, and the Compton effect.

However, it is important to note that in certain situations, such as in quantum mechanics and special relativity, the equation may need to be modified or extended to accurately describe the behavior of particles at the subatomic level. But for most practical applications, the E=hw law holds true.

In summary, based on the current understanding and evidence, there is no reason to doubt the validity of the E=hw law for the energy of photons. It remains a fundamental and reliable equation in the field of physics.
 

1. Is the equation E=hw always true?

Yes, the equation E=hw, also known as the Planck-Einstein relation, is always true. It is a fundamental law of physics that describes the relationship between energy (E) and frequency (w) of electromagnetic radiation, such as light.

2. How was the equation E=hw discovered?

The equation E=hw was discovered by German physicist Max Planck in 1900 and later refined by Albert Einstein in 1905. Planck proposed that energy is quantized, meaning it can only exist in discrete units, and that the energy of each unit is proportional to the frequency of the radiation. Einstein further developed this idea by introducing the concept of photons, which are individual packets of energy.

3. Can E=hw be applied to all forms of energy?

Yes, E=hw can be applied to all forms of energy, as long as they involve electromagnetic radiation. This includes visible light, radio waves, x-rays, and more.

4. What is the significance of E=hw?

E=hw is significant because it helped explain the behavior of electromagnetic radiation and led to the development of quantum mechanics. It also has many practical applications, such as in the development of technologies such as lasers, solar cells, and LED lights.

5. Are there any exceptions to E=hw?

There are no known exceptions to E=hw. However, it is important to note that this equation is a simplified version of the more comprehensive and complex quantum mechanics equations, which take into account factors such as the wave-particle duality of light and the uncertainty principle. In extreme conditions, such as near black holes, E=hw may not accurately describe the behavior of energy.

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