Mendeleev · science lesson

Photon: linking energy, frequency and wavelength

For a photon, E = hν and c = λν link energy, frequency and wavelength.

Start with the idea

For a photon, E = hν and c = λν link energy, frequency and wavelength.

λνE

A concrete example

A shorter wavelength corresponds to a higher frequency and therefore a higher photon energy.

Mendeleev

Mendeleev’s tip

Do not start with a formula. Identify what changes, what stays constant and which quantity you are trying to explain or calculate.

Go one step deeper

A blue-light photon carries more energy than a red-light photon because its frequency is higher.

Common trap

A trend or model is not an exceptionless law. Always check the quantity’s definition and the conditions being compared.

Check your understanding

Can you explain the phenomenon in your own words before looking at an equation?

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