What is the energy of a 1/2 Hz photon according to Planck's constant?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Sheyr
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Constant
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy of a photon with a frequency of 1/2 Hz, as described by Planck's constant. Participants explore the implications of quantum mechanics on energy quantization, the nature of photons, and the conditions under which radiation can be emitted or absorbed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the energy of radiation is given by the equation E = h * v, questioning the energy of a 1/2 Hz photon.
  • Another participant suggests that the energy is h/2 J, while also noting the dimensions of Planck's constant.
  • Some participants assert that energy is emitted or absorbed in integer multiples of hν, leading to a discussion about whether an oscillator at 1/2 Hz can emit radiation.
  • A later reply clarifies that the integer restriction applies to 'n' in the equation n*h*ν, not to the frequency ν itself.
  • One participant argues that Planck's constant represents action rather than a quantum of energy, suggesting that energy can vary continuously.
  • Another participant discusses the implications of assuming the largest wavelength corresponds to the size of the universe, relating it to the calculation of frequency and energy.
  • There is mention of photon creation through internal atom/molecule transitions, with a challenge posed regarding electron/positron pair annihilation as a source of gamma rays.
  • One participant acknowledges the mention of pair annihilation as a valid point that was previously overlooked.
  • Another participant posits that any change in the trajectory of charged particles should generate photons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the quantization of energy and the conditions under which photons can be emitted. There is no consensus on whether a photon can exist at the specified frequency or how energy is quantized in relation to Planck's constant.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of photons and the quantization of energy, which may depend on specific definitions and interpretations within quantum mechanics. Some mathematical steps and implications remain unresolved.

Sheyr
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
According to quantum mechanics the energy of radiation is equal to multiple Planck's constant : E = h * v, where "v" is the radiation frequency.

Since there is no limit to frequency, what is the energy of radiation of frequency 1/2 Hz?

S.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
h/2 J.101010[/color]
 
neutrino said:
h/2 J.101010[/color]

Where h is expressed in SI units; Planck's constant has dimensions [tex]ML^2T^{-1}[/tex], so that would be [tex]Kg m^2 sec^{-1}[/tex].
 
Thank you. I thought before that the energy must be procuct of integer number of 'h'.
 
Energy is emitted or absorbed in integer multiples of [tex]h\nu[/tex].
 
neutrino said:
Energy is emitted or absorbed in integer multiples of [tex]h\nu[/tex].

If this is true, than the oscillator working on the frequency ½ Hz can’t emit the radiation. Or am I wrong?
 
n*h*(nu)...it's the 'n' that's restricted to integers, not nu.
 
If you look at those units for h, [tex]ML^2T^{-1}[/tex], you see that it does not represent a quantum of energy, but of action. This is why energy can increase or decrease by continuous amounts, it is only the action, e dt, that is quantized.
 
If this is true, than the oscillator working on the frequency ½ Hz can’t emit the radiation. Or am I wrong?

if we assume photon can have the largest wavelength of the size of the universe and assume universe is 10^26m

by formula c=lamb*nu

you can compute smallest nu and energy E=H*nu

: Photon is an energy emitted from internal atom/molecule transitions. There is no other way i know of photon can be created.
 
  • #10
sneez said:
if we assume photon can have the largest wavelength of the size of the universe and assume universe is 10^26m

by formula c=lamb*nu

you can compute smallest nu and energy E=H*nu

: Photon is an energy emitted from internal atom/molecule transitions. There is no other way i know of photon can be created.


What about electron/positron pair annihilation, this creates gamma rays.
 
  • #11
"What about electron/positron pair annihilation, this creates gamma rays"

Very good. I forgot about this.
 
  • #12
I thought any change of charged particle trajectory should generate photon.
 

Similar threads

Calculating the Planck Length
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
High School Planck's equation and upper and lower bounds on the energy of a photon
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Use linear regression to find Planck’s constant
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Graduate Black body radiation, Planck's law, derivation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
Graduate Historical clarification of the Planck formula of blackbody radiation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Raman Spectroscopy: Understanding Stokes and Anti-Stokes Lines
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad How Can Photons Be Massless Yet Have Energy According to Einstein's Equations?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad How does EM wave geometrical attenuation affect atomic absorption?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Why is Photon Energy Quantized in Terms of Sine Wave Frequency?
  • · Replies 78 ·
3
Replies
78
Views
7K
Undergrad What Determines the Use of Normal vs Angular Frequency in Quantum Transitions?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K