Wavelength to Photon Energy Calculator for Electromagnetic Waves in a Vacuum

Calculate Photon Energy of EM Wave in a Vacuum
Wavelength (λ) [?]

Photon Energy (E) [?]

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User Guide

Calculate the energy per photon of an electromagnetic wave in a vacuum by entering a value for the corresponding wavelength.

Electromagnetic waves are divided up into regions of what is called the electromagnetic spectrum. Starting with the highest frequencies, the spectrum is made up of gamma rays, x rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infra-red, microwave, and radio waves. This wavelength to energy per photon calculator can be used for all types of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Enter the wavelength value, along with selecting the relevant wavelength measurement units, and then select the required energy measurement units to calculate the corresponding energy value for a photon. The result will then be displayed in the answer box along with a dynamic conversion scale to show how photon energy varies for different wavelengths, shorter and longer than the entered value.

Formula

The formula used to calculate the energy per photon for an electromagnetic wave is:

E = h · c₀ / λ

Symbols

E = Photon energy
h = Planck constant
c₀ = Speed of light in a vacuum
λ = Wavelength of EM wave

Wavelength

Enter the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave in a vacuum. This is the distance of one complete cycle of oscillation, for an electromagnetic wave, produced by a photon propagating through a vacuum.

Photon Energy

This is the energy possessed by a single photon, oscillating at the specified wave frequency, as it propagates through a vacuum at the speed of light.