Energy of Gamma Ray Photon with Wavelength h

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy of a gamma ray photon with a specified wavelength, initially referred to as "h," which is later clarified to be a misunderstanding of the notation for the Planck constant. The conversation includes theoretical aspects of photon energy, frequency, and wavelength relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the energy of a gamma ray photon with a wavelength denoted as "h," which is identified as Planck's length.
  • Another participant points out that "h" typically represents the Planck constant, not a length, and questions the understanding of the formulas connecting energy, frequency, and wavelength.
  • A participant states the energy formula as E=hf, indicating the relationship between energy and frequency.
  • There is a request for the second formula that relates wavelength and frequency.
  • Participants discuss the general relationship between wavelength and frequency, noting its applicability to all types of waves.
  • One participant explains that the speed of light (c) can be expressed as the product of wavelength (λ) and frequency (f), suggesting that knowing one allows calculation of the other.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the definitions of frequency and wavelength.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express some confusion regarding the notation and definitions, but there is no consensus on the correct interpretation of "h" or the specific energy calculation. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple viewpoints on the formulas and concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the notation used and the assumptions about the definitions of terms like wavelength and frequency. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps required to calculate the energy from the given wavelength.

Daniel Petka
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What would be the energy (eV) of a gamma ray photon with the wavelength h (Planck's length)?
 
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Daniel Petka said:
What would be the energy (eV) of a gamma ray photon with the wavelength h (Planck's length)?
Have you tried to look it up? ##h## usually denotes the Planck constant which is not a length. Do you know the two formulas, that connect the energy with the frequency and the frequency with the wavelength of electromagnetic waves?
 
E=hf
 
What's the 2nd?
 
Daniel Petka said:
What's the 2nd?
The relationship between the wavelength and the frequency. (As an aside, this one is true for all waves of all types, not just light).

You have the one that let's you calculate the energy from the frequency, so if you can just get the frequency from the wavelength you'll be able to get the energy from the wavelength.
 
So what's the formula? [emoji14]
 
Daniel Petka said:
So what's the formula? [emoji14]
What does frequency stand for, and what is wavelength?
 
Frequency: number of occurrences/time unit (Hz)

Wavelength: distance between the peaks of a wave (nm)

Now what's the formula? [emoji851]
 
Thus the propagation velocity is distance between peaks times peaks per seconds. In case of light it is ##c=\lambda \cdot f\,.## With ##c## being constant, you can calculate one from the other. With the energy formula you have all what's needed.
 
  • #10
Ok
 

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