Frequency of Photons: Conceptualizing & Oscillation

In summary, the concept of frequency in electromagnetic radiation should not be applied to individual photons. Instead, it is used to determine the energy and momentum of the radiation as a whole. The frequency of a photon can be thought of as its energy and momentum, and is related to the wavelength and speed of light. It is not possible to visualize frequency in terms of mechanical waves, as it represents the strength and change of the electromagnetic field at a specific point in space.
  • #1
blaisem
28
2
When we say the frequency of electromagnetic radiation, how can we conceptualize this property's manifestation in photons?

Are the photons oscillating in space with the corresponding frequency? If yes, would this oscillation be parallel, perpendicular, or something else with respect to the direction of propagation, and what would determine its amplitude?

I suppose this question could apply to any particle. Thank you for your time!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
blaisem said:
When we say the frequency of electromagnetic radiation, how can we conceptualize this property's manifestation in photons?
It is generally a bad idea. What we do instead is use the concept to work out properties of the radiation. The properties we care about depend on how we look at it.

Photon frequency should be thought of as energy and momentum, since photons belong to the particle model. It's just handy to use frequency for it's links with classical electromagnetism.

Are the photons oscillating in space with the corresponding frequency?
No.
The photon is not usefully thought of as a little vibrating ball of anything.

The "frequency of a photon" is a quantum mechanical property that is analogous to the frequency in electromagnetic waves. In that case, it is the time rate of change of the magnitude of the electric field. How would you "conceptualize" the electric field? But the electromagnetic field stuff is what you get from lots of photons.

See also: photoelectric effect.
 
  • #3
Frequency (f) determines the quantum of energy per Planck's relation: E = h*f .

Also wavelength * frequency = c, the speed of light. The wavelength (lambda) determines the magnitude of the momentum per de Broglie's relation: p = h/lambda.

So if your laser emits light with wavelength 260 nm you can calculate the energy and momentum of each photon. You should obtain an energy of about 4.5 eV for this wavelength.
 
  • #4
you can't visualize frequency in terms of mechanical waves like water waves for instance
the frequency of an EM wave indicates its strength at some point , and how its strength changes through time in this point
for instance if you take a point in space in which an EM radiation pass through
say an EM radiation * for the sake of simplicity* having a frequency of 2 Hz * 2 oscilations / sec *
that means that the strength of the field is going to go between 1 to -1 * if it's amplitude is 1 * 2 times in one second in this certain point of space
 
  • #5


I can provide a response to this question. The frequency of photons is a fundamental property of electromagnetic radiation, and it is directly related to the energy of the photons. Photons are not physical particles in the traditional sense, but rather they are packets of energy that can behave both as waves and particles.

Conceptually, the frequency of photons can be thought of as the rate at which they oscillate or vibrate in space. This oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of propagation, meaning the photons are moving in a transverse wave pattern. This is because electromagnetic radiation is a type of wave that travels through space.

The amplitude of the oscillation, or the height of the wave, is determined by the energy of the photon. Higher energy photons have a higher frequency and therefore a larger amplitude, while lower energy photons have a lower frequency and a smaller amplitude.

It is important to note that the oscillation of photons is not a physical movement in space, but rather a manifestation of the energy they carry. This concept can also be applied to other particles, such as electrons, which can also exhibit wave-like behavior.

In summary, the frequency of photons can be conceptualized as the rate of oscillation of their energy in space, and this oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. The amplitude of this oscillation is determined by the energy of the photon.
 

1. What is the frequency of photons?

The frequency of photons refers to the number of times a photon oscillates per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is directly related to the energy of the photon.

2. How is the frequency of photons related to their energy?

The frequency of photons and their energy are directly proportional. This means that as the frequency increases, so does the energy of the photon. This relationship is described by the equation E=hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency.

3. Can the frequency of photons be seen or measured?

The frequency of photons cannot be seen directly, but it can be measured using specialized equipment such as a spectrometer. The frequency can also be calculated using the wavelength of the photon, which can be measured using a spectroscope.

4. How does the frequency of photons relate to the color of light?

The frequency of photons determines the color of light that we see. Red light has a lower frequency than blue light, for example. The visible spectrum ranges from low-frequency red light to high-frequency violet light.

5. Can the frequency of photons be changed?

The frequency of photons cannot be changed, as it is a fundamental property of the photon. However, the energy of a photon can be altered by changing its frequency, such as through the use of a laser. Additionally, when photons interact with matter, their frequency may change due to absorption or emission processes.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
747
Replies
4
Views
972
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
29
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
654
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
21
Views
961
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
294
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
15
Views
2K
Back
Top