If energy increases with decreasing wavelength, then...

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between wavelength and energy, particularly questioning the implications of a wavelength approaching zero nanometers and its effect on energy levels. Participants explore theoretical aspects of this relationship without reaching a consensus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if energy increases with decreasing wavelength, then a wavelength of zero nanometers would imply infinite energy.
  • Another participant counters that there is no "wavelength of zero nanometers," indicating a limitation in the discussion.
  • A later reply proposes that as the wavelength approaches zero nanometers, the energy approaches infinity, questioning whether there is a limit to this relationship.
  • Another participant agrees that energy per photon increases as wavelength decreases but states that there is no proper limit to this concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the existence of a wavelength of zero nanometers and the implications of energy approaching infinity, indicating that multiple competing views remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in defining wavelength and energy relationships, particularly regarding theoretical extremes and the absence of a proper limit.

Sam_A
..then a wavelength of zero nanometers has infinite energy?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is no "wavelength of zero nanometers".
 
mfb said:
There is no "wavelength of zero nanometers".
Okay, how about.. as the wavelength approaches zero nanometers, the energy approaches infinity? Is there a limit in this?
 
Sam_A said:
Okay, how about.. as the wavelength approaches zero nanometers, the energy approaches infinity?
The energy per photon, yes.
There is no proper limit.
 

Similar threads

High School Does a photon's energy change as it refracts?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Particles with small Wavelengths passing through huge slits?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Is there a fractional frequency of light?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Quantum wavelength of gravity
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Does Wavelength Affect Uncertainty in Macroscopic Objects?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad De Broglie Wavelength at rest: λ = h/p = h/0 when v=0?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Basic Question: What are energy levels, of photons, for example?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School What happens to excess energy when an electron gets excited by light?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad A qualitative question about Blackbody Radiation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Can an atom absorb a photon, yet its total kinetic energy is decreased?
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
6K