Number of photons that provide given energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the number of photons required to provide 1 Joule of energy at a wavelength of 656 nm using the equation E = hc/λ. Participants confirm that to find the number of photons, one must first calculate the energy per photon (E) and then divide 1 Joule by this value. The calculation involves using Planck's constant (h) and the speed of light (c) to determine E, leading to the conclusion that the number of photons is directly proportional to the total energy divided by the energy per photon.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the equation E = hc/λ
  • Familiarity with Planck's constant (h) and the speed of light (c)
  • Basic knowledge of energy units (Joules)
  • Concept of wavelength in nanometers (nm)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate energy per photon using E = hc/λ for different wavelengths
  • Explore the relationship between wavelength and energy in the context of the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Learn about photon energy calculations in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate applications of photon energy in fields like photonics and solar energy
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, researchers in photonics, and anyone interested in understanding the quantification of light energy and its applications.

emma3001
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How many photons of light having a wavelength of 656nm are necessary to provide 1J of energy?

I know the equation E=hc/lambda, however I am unsure of what help calculating E would be. Do I just divide 1J by what E is?
 
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Yes. Think in terms of units:

E has units of energy per photon
1J has units of energy

So 1J / E has units of ________ ?
 

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