The energy of a photon is directly determined by its frequency through the equation E = hf, where h is Planck's constant (6.626068 × 10-34 m2kg/s). This relationship holds true across various frequencies, such as 20 Hz and 400 GHz electromagnetic waves. For photons, the proper relativistic equation E2 = p2c2 + m2c4 simplifies to E = pc, as the mass (m) of a photon is zero. The discussion clarifies that classical kinetic energy equations like E = 1/2mv2 cannot be applied to photons.
PREREQUISITESStudents and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory, as well as educators seeking to explain the relationship between photon energy, frequency, and wavelength.
The energy of a photon, E (which can be considered as all kinetic energy since the proper energy = E0 = 0 and E = K + E0 = K), is related to the photon's frequency, f, by E = hf where h = Planck's constant = 6.626068 × 10-34m2kg/s.nuby said:How is a photon's energy determine in relation to it's wavelength and frequency?
For example, 20hz vs. 400ghz electromagnetic waves.
No.nuby said:can E=1/2mv^2 be applied to photons ever?
or E=mc^2