Planck's Constant Related to Velocity of Light?

In summary, there are several formulas for calculating Planck's constant that involve dividing by the velocity of light. This suggests a relationship between the finiteness of the velocity of light and the non-zero value of Planck's constant. This connection implies a fundamental relationship between quantum mechanics and special relativity. However, the conversation also points out that h and c are independent fundamental constants and do not rely on each other for their values. In the given document, h is found using the slope equation which uses h and c, but this is simply because they are both constants and appear in the equation. Ultimately, constants like h and c do not depend on each other and are unchanging unless units are changed.
  • #1
LarryS
Gold Member
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A few of the formulas that I have seen for calculating Planck's constant involve, amoung other things, dividing by the velocity of light. It appears as though the finiteness of the velocity of light and that Planck's constant is not zero are related. This would imply that QM and Special Relativity are related at a fundamental level. Comments? Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
referframe said:
A few of the formulas that I have seen for calculating Planck's constant involve, amoung other things, dividing by the velocity of light.

Can you give an example or two?
 
  • #3
Please see the attached PDF file describing how to measure and compute Planck's constant, h, from LED's. Does not this imply that h and c are inversely related?
 

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  • #4
referframe said:
Please see the attached PDF file describing how to measure and compute Planck's constant, h, from LED's. Does not this imply that h and c are inversely related?

no, they are independent fundamental constants.
 
  • #5
referframe said:
Please see the attached PDF file describing how to measure and compute Planck's constant, h, from LED's. Does not this imply that h and c are inversely related?

In the document, it is given that slope = hc/e.Then using slope,c and e we can find h.
My question is,for finding the slope itself we have to use h first.

Both h and c are just constants. we have so many equations in physics having constants in it. that doesn't mean constants are inter related or inter dependent? They don't change. That's why they are constants unless we change units.
 
  • #6
The only reason c is in that equation is because in this experiment we use the wavelength of the light in the calculation, rather than its frequency. If we started out knowing or measuring the frequency of the light instead, c wouldn't appear in the calculation.
 

1. What is Planck's Constant?

Planck's Constant is a physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. It is denoted by the symbol h and has a value of approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 joule-seconds.

2. How is Planck's Constant related to the velocity of light?

Planck's Constant is directly related to the velocity of light through the equation E = hf, where E is the energy of the photon, h is Planck's Constant, and f is the frequency of the photon. This equation shows that as the frequency of light increases, so does its energy, and Planck's Constant acts as the proportionality constant between the two.

3. Why is Planck's Constant important?

Planck's Constant is a fundamental constant in physics and is essential in understanding the behavior of light and matter at the atomic and subatomic levels. It is used in many equations and formulas, including the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and the Schrödinger Equation, which are crucial in quantum mechanics.

4. How was Planck's Constant first determined?

Planck's Constant was first determined by the German physicist Max Planck in 1900. He used experimental data on the radiation emitted by a blackbody to develop his theory of quantum mechanics, which led to the discovery of Planck's Constant.

5. Is Planck's Constant a universal constant?

Yes, Planck's Constant is a universal constant, meaning it has the same value in all reference frames and is not dependent on any external factors. It is one of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI) and is considered a fundamental constant in physics.

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