Dose E=hn means quantization of energy?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation E=nhf and its implications for the quantization of energy. Participants explore the relationship between energy, Planck's constant, and frequency, questioning the necessity of including frequency in the quantization equation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why E=nhf is necessary, suggesting that E=nh alone should suffice.
  • Another participant explains that the units of the equation require a term with units of frequency to maintain dimensional consistency.
  • A third participant asserts that E=nh is incorrect due to unit discrepancies, reinforcing the need for frequency in the equation.
  • One participant notes that h represents energy per cycle and f represents cycles per unit time, implying that time quantization must be considered.
  • A later reply acknowledges the importance of units in the discussion.
  • Another participant introduces the idea that while energy is quantized within a single system, different systems can yield a continuous spectrum of energies, suggesting a broader context for the E=nh model.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of frequency in the quantization equation, with some agreeing on the importance of units while others maintain that E=nh could be sufficient. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these equations across different systems.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of dimensional analysis in the equations discussed, indicating that assumptions about units and the nature of energy quantization may vary across different contexts.

athrun200
Messages
275
Reaction score
0
I have an example class yesterday, but one question troubled me.

In part (b), why does E=nhf?
For me, it seems E=nh is enough, why does the equation involve frequency f after quantization?
 

Attachments

  • e=hn.jpg
    e=hn.jpg
    39 KB · Views: 576
Physics news on Phys.org
One answer might be: The unit of E (energy) is a Joule, the unit of h (Plank's constant) is Joule time a second. If you want the equation to be correct you need to multiply h with something that has units of 1 over a second.Roman.
 
athrun200 said:
In part (b), why does E=nhf?
For me, it seems E=nh is enough, why does the equation involve frequency f after quantization?

What do you mean "E = nh is enough"? That equation is not correct, because as pointed out above, the units are not correct.
 
h = energy per cycle.
f = number of cycles per unit of time.
your quantization must include a quantization of time.
 
Thanks! I have forgotten to consider the unit.
 
Energy within a single system is quantized, but there are different energies that result from following the E=nh model in different systems, so if you consider every possible system energy is continuous, just like the light spectrum.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Why is Photon Energy Quantized in Terms of Sine Wave Frequency?
  • · Replies 78 ·
3
Replies
78
Views
7K
Undergrad Electromagnetic radiation, photons, quantized energy levels
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Quantization of the electromagnetic field
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Planck's constant and quantization of energy
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Bohr-Sommerfield quantization of motion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Some questions about the photoelectric experiment
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Graduate Second Quantization in QFT
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad "Packing of energy" question related to the ultraviolet catastrophe
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Mean values of observables
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad E=hf for massive particles, but which Energy exactly?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K