Photon Energy-Frequency Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the photon energy-frequency calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Photon Energy-Frequency Calculator

Formulas Used

Energy

energy_j = 6.626e-34 * frequency

Energy (eV)

energy_ev = 6.626e-34 * frequency / 1.602e-19

Wavelength

wavelength = 2.998e8 / frequency

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
frequencyFrequency(Hz)500000000000000

How It Works

Photon Energy from Frequency

A photon's energy is directly proportional to its frequency.

Formula

E = h f

  • *h* = 6.626 x 10^-34 J s (Planck constant)
  • *f* = frequency in Hz

    • The wavelength is lambda = c / f. Higher frequency (shorter wavelength) means higher energy.

    Worked Example

    Green light at 500 THz (5e14 Hz).

    frequency = 500000000000000
    1. 01E = h f
    2. 02E = 6.626e-34 * 5e14
    3. 03E = 3.313e-19 J
    4. 04E = 3.313e-19 / 1.602e-19 = 2.069 eV
    5. 05lambda = 3e8 / 5e14 = 6e-7 m = 600 nm

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Photon Energy-Frequency Calculator