E=hc/lambda C

1. Feb 5, 2013

sorax123

I was thinking about refraction and phase velocity change, when i thought about whether the c in e=hc/lambda is always 3x10^8 or does it refer to the speed in the medium?
Thanks

2. Feb 5, 2013

Simon Bridge

in $E=hc/\lambda$ $c$ is always the speed of light in vacuum.
if the speed in the medium is important, it will show up in equations as a refractive index.
as far as the photon is concerned, the "medium" is an array of atoms with empty space in between.

3. Feb 6, 2013

sorax123

So if wavelength decreases in a refractive medium, does that mean energy increases???

4. Feb 6, 2013

5. Feb 6, 2013

nasu

It depends on what do you mean by λ. It is the wavelength in vacuum or in the medium?
Anyway, you should have the formula getting back to E=hf which is valid in vacuum and media as well.

6. Feb 6, 2013

sorax123

Cheers folks. I now see that the qm and wave models must be evaluated differently and that E=hf is a more useful formula to employ :).