Understanding Photon Frequency and Amplitude

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the relationship between photon frequency and amplitude, emphasizing that while both are measures of energy, they represent different aspects of electromagnetic waves. High-frequency photons, such as gamma rays emitted during electron-positron annihilation, have high energy, while amplitude modulation (AM) involves varying the number of photons at a constant frequency. In contrast, frequency modulation (FM) alters both the frequency and amplitude of photons, allowing for complex information transmission. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the principles of wave energy modulation in radio communications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electromagnetic waves
  • Knowledge of photon properties and behavior
  • Familiarity with amplitude and frequency modulation techniques
  • Concepts of energy quantization in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Explore the differences between amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM)
  • Study the quantum mechanics of photon emission and absorption
  • Learn about the applications of gamma rays in medical imaging and radiation therapy
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, radio engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of wave modulation and photon behavior in electromagnetic theory.

Edi
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Ok, I'm confused.
Wavelength and frequency is basically the same thing, just different measures. height energy photon means that it has high frequency/ low wavelength.
There are AM - amplitude modulators and FM - frequency modulators. (radio) Radio waves are photons, just really long ones.
I don't get it: changing amplitude literally means how much energy you put in the wave, but changing frequency - the same. (??)
When a photon is emitted in, for example, annihilation of electron and positron it is very energetic - high frequency photon is emitted (gamma ray). Whats the deal with amplitude? Can someone bring some clarity to this?
 
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One photon has the smallest amplitude - it is proportional to V-1/2, where V is the normalizing volume. A radio-wave with AM has different (varying) average number of photons of the same frequency, so it is the wave energy which is modulated.

An FM wave has photons with different frequencies and possibly different amplitudes. An FM wave has also a variable in time energy and this is one of the ways to transmit (to code) information.

Bob.
 
"Click", duh.
Thanks, Bob! ;)
 

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