What is the range of natural photon frequencies?

In summary: However, if you try to produce a photon with an energy greater than the maximum possible for that particle, then the photon will be destroyed before it ever has a chance to leave the laboratory.
  • #1
dsaun777
293
39
Given that electromagnetic waves transport energy via photons, what is the lowest and highest possible frequency of a photon and what physical phenomena do these relate to? It is clear that the larger the wavelength the lower the energy for a photon. so what are the limits of the wavelength?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The lower limit of zero cannot be achieved according to themodynamics. The highest energy that has been observed was at the LHC and the energy is something like that of a speeding truck. This apparently is comparable with early big-bang energies.
 
  • #3
Mentz114 said:
The highest energy that has been observed was at the LHC and the energy is something like that of a speeding truck.

Where did you get that? I find it hard to believe, as the total collision energy is only 20 ergs. (2 microjoules)
 
  • #4
Vanadium 50 said:
Where did you get that? I find it hard to believe, as the total collision energy is only 20 ergs. (2 microjoules)
A Google search gets

13 teraelectronvolts (TeV)—the highest energy ever achieved in a laboratory.
Two heavy nuclei smashing together at 0.9 c ?
I guess I can't convert from eV to ergs.
https://home.cern/science/engineering/restarting-lhc-why-13-tev
 
  • #5
1 TeV is 1.6 ergs.
 
  • Like
Likes Mentz114
  • #6
dsaun777 said:
Given that electromagnetic waves transport energy via photons, what is the lowest and highest possible frequency of a photon and what physical phenomena do these relate to? It is clear that the larger the wavelength the lower the energy for a photon. so what are the limits of the wavelength?

There is no upper limit to my knowledge, and the lower limit is bounded from below by 0 Hertz.
 
  • #7
In the Minkowski space, if you can switch to an arbitrary frame moving at almost the speed of light, then you can Doppler shift any photon as much as you like.

Thus, a very ordinary photon of light appears to some observer as having an almost zero energy, or an almost infinite energy.

There are no limits on photon energy in special relativity.
 
  • Like
Likes Nugatory and vanhees71

1. What are natural photon frequencies?

Natural photon frequencies refer to the range of frequencies at which photons, the fundamental particles of light, are emitted or absorbed by atoms and molecules in nature. These frequencies are determined by the energy levels of these particles and can range from extremely low frequencies, such as radio waves, to extremely high frequencies, such as gamma rays.

2. How do natural photon frequencies differ from artificial ones?

Natural photon frequencies are those that occur in nature without any human intervention or manipulation. On the other hand, artificial photon frequencies are those that are generated by humans, such as in electronic devices or artificial light sources. While both types of frequencies follow the same laws of physics, natural photon frequencies are typically lower and cover a wider range than artificial ones.

3. What is the range of natural photon frequencies?

The range of natural photon frequencies is extremely wide, covering a spectrum from less than 1 Hz (extremely low frequency) to more than 10^24 Hz (extremely high frequency). This range includes all types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, as well as visible light, which falls in the middle of the spectrum.

4. How are natural photon frequencies measured?

Natural photon frequencies are measured using a unit called hertz (Hz), which represents the number of cycles per second of a wave. For example, a frequency of 1 Hz means that one cycle of the wave occurs every second. Scientists use specialized equipment, such as spectrometers, to measure the frequency of photons emitted or absorbed by atoms and molecules.

5. What is the significance of understanding the range of natural photon frequencies?

Understanding the range of natural photon frequencies is crucial for many fields of science, including astronomy, chemistry, and biology. It allows us to study and analyze natural phenomena, such as the behavior of atoms and molecules, the composition of stars and galaxies, and the effects of electromagnetic radiation on living organisms. Additionally, this knowledge can also lead to practical applications, such as in the development of new technologies and medical treatments.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
978
Replies
6
Views
821
Replies
78
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
38
Views
3K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
790
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top