What does light's frequency actually mean?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter KingNothing
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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that a photon does indeed have a frequency, which is directly related to its energy as described by the equation E = hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency. The frequency of light influences various interactions, such as refractive index and absorption, making it a critical factor in understanding light behavior. Participants confirm that while a single photon can be described as having a frequency, this frequency reflects its wavelike properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the equation E = hf
  • Knowledge of wave-particle duality
  • Basic concepts of light-matter interactions
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  • Research the implications of Planck's constant in quantum physics
  • Explore the relationship between frequency and energy in photons
  • Learn about the effects of frequency on refractive index and absorption
  • Investigate wave-particle duality and its significance in modern physics
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KingNothing
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Can a single photon have frequency?

If a certain light is said to have a a frequency of, say, 500 units, what does that actually mean about how the individual photons act?
 
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It means each photon has energy:

E = hf

No, it does not make sense for a single photon to have a frequency.
 
Yes a photon does have a frequency, determined by the energy, as given in the previous post. Not sure why the previous poster would think that in spite of the photon having energy it does not have a frequency.
 
Most photon/atom interctions are frequency-dependent. Things like refractive index and absorption vary considerably with frequency.

Claude.
 
I think what king is trying is ask is "why does a photon have a frequency?"
 
KingNothing said:
Can a single photon have frequency?
Yes

KingNothing said:
If a certain light is said to have a a frequency of, say, 500 units, what does that actually mean about how the individual photons act?
It means it exhibits wavelike properties.
 

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