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Energy Per Quantum Formula:
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Energy per Quantum is the energy of a molecule per quantum of radiation which is absorbed during a photochemical reaction. It represents the fundamental energy unit carried by electromagnetic radiation at a specific frequency.
The calculator uses the Planck-Einstein relation:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation relates the energy of a photon to its frequency through Planck's constant, which is one of the fundamental constants of quantum mechanics.
Details: Calculating energy per quantum is essential in quantum mechanics, photochemistry, spectroscopy, and understanding light-matter interactions. It helps determine whether radiation has sufficient energy to cause electronic transitions or chemical reactions.
Tips: Enter the frequency of radiation in Hertz. The value must be positive and greater than zero. The calculator will compute the energy per quantum using Planck's constant.
Q1: What is Planck's constant?
A: Planck's constant (6.626070040 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency in quantum mechanics.
Q2: How is this different from photon energy?
A: Energy per quantum and photon energy are essentially the same concept - both refer to the energy carried by a single quantum of electromagnetic radiation.
Q3: What are typical energy values for different types of radiation?
A: Radio waves have very low energy quanta (10⁻²⁸-10⁻²⁴ J), visible light quanta are around 10⁻¹⁹ J, while gamma rays can have quanta up to 10⁻¹³ J or higher.
Q4: Why is this calculation important in chemistry?
A: It helps determine if radiation has sufficient energy to break chemical bonds or excite electrons, which is crucial for understanding photochemical reactions and spectroscopy.
Q5: Can this formula be used for all types of electromagnetic radiation?
A: Yes, the Planck-Einstein relation applies to all frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.