Calculate the wavelength of a photon

Last Updated: January 12, Fact Checked. This article was co-authored by Meredith Juncker, PhD.

A ground state H atom absorbs a photon of energy 2. As the atom relaxes, it emits two photons: one of wavelength nm to reach an intermediate level, and a second to reach the ground state. What is the wavelength of the second photon emitted? The energy liberated by the electron falling back to the ground state must equal the energy absorbed, i. We can find the energy of the first photon given the wavelength of nm. My strategy for this was subtract the energy of the nm photon to leave an energy difference that would appear in the second emitted photon. I had a table summarizing the steps, but it won't fit.

Calculate the wavelength of a photon

Many, many problems in physics and chemistry require you to use an energy-to-wavelength calculator. Do you have an energy transition between two states and wonder what wavelength of light this corresponds to? Have you the energy of two waves that have undergone a constructive or destructive interaction and want to find the new wavelength? If so, you've found the right place in Omni's energy-to-wavelength calculator, which will help you learn how to calculate wavelength from energy for a photon or wave! The energy to wavelength formula relies upon two other equations: the wave speed equation and the Planck—Einstein relation. The wave speed equation looks like this:. In most cases, we are looking at how a wave travels through a vacuum. In this case, v v v is actually equal to the speed of light, ,, meters per second , which we denote as c c c. Manipulation of the formulas is then required. First, replace v v v with c c c. Then rearrange the wave speed equation so that frequency is in terms of wavelength. We then substitute this formula into the Planck-Einstein equation.

Find an Online Tutor Now Choose an expert and meet online. If you found the right value for the wavelength, multiplying by the frequency should get you the wave speed you started with. Last Updated: January 12, Fact Checked.

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Last Updated: January 12, Fact Checked. This article was co-authored by Meredith Juncker, PhD. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,, times. Wavelength is the distance of 1 frequency wave peak to the other and is most commonly associated with the electromagnetic spectrum. If you know the speed and frequency of the wave, you can use the basic formula for wavelength. If you want to determine the wavelength of light given the specific energy of a photon, you would use the energy equation.

Calculate the wavelength of a photon

The wavelength calculator can assist you in determining the relationship between frequency and wavelength. Continue reading if you are here to learn how to calculate the frequency of a wave or look for the wavelength formula. Wave velocity v is how fast a wave propagates in a given medium. Its unit is meter per second.

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This article was co-authored by Meredith Juncker, PhD. What Is the 5th Dimension? Calculate wavelength with the energy equation. Use scientific notation to avoid calculator rounding errors. Multiply the frequency by Planck's constant , 6. To calculate wavelength from the energy of a photon: Convert the photon's energy into joules. Plug in the known variables and solve. Divide the speed of light , equal to ,, meters per second, by the photon's energy. This article has been viewed 1,, times. How to. The frequency is already written in scientific notation. For example, perhaps you used Joules when you should have used Hertz, so you ended up with the incorrect answer. I had a table summarizing the steps, but it won't fit.

Many, many problems in physics and chemistry require you to use an energy-to-wavelength calculator.

Not Helpful 22 Helpful Meredith Juncker, PhD. In most cases, we are looking at how a wave travels through a vacuum. This is because photon energy is proportional to a constant over the wavelength. If the wave's frequency is 4 x 10 14 Hz, what is its wavelength? Featured Articles. The wavelength equals nm. Check your units. Get a free answer to a quick problem. You Might Also Like. We're glad this was helpful. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Trending Articles How to. About This Article. Thank you.