E=hw law for the energy of photons

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of the E=hw law for the energy of photons requiring correction at certain wavelengths. It is suggested that at high frequencies, it may be difficult to measure both energy and frequency accurately. The theoretical limit for the wavelength of a photon is the Planck Length, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that E=hf does not hold up for the entire spectrum.
  • #1
I_wonder
9
0
At the risk of appearing somewhat obsessed, I'll ask something similar to another thread I'd opened previously:

Has anyone ever come across any experiments suggesting that the E=hw law for the energy of photons may require some correction, say, at a specific wavelength range?
 
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  • #2
At the risk of sounding silly... I think that at the frequencies at which the relation could possibly be violated (high frequencies), we would probably only be able to measure one or the other, and take the other as definition.
 
  • #3
The theoretical limit for the wavelength of a photon is the Planck Length, 1.616x10^-35m. Photons with a shorter wavelength than that either do not exist or do not conform to known laws, including E=hf.

Other than that, there's nothing I know of to suggest E=hf doesn't hold up for the entire spectrum.
 

FAQ: E=hw law for the energy of photons

What is the E=hw law for the energy of photons?

The E=hw law is a fundamental equation in physics that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. It states that the energy of a photon (E) is equal to its frequency (h) multiplied by Planck's constant (w).

Who discovered the E=hw law?

The E=hw law was first discovered by German physicist Max Planck in 1900. Planck's work on blackbody radiation led to the development of quantum theory and the understanding of the relationship between energy and frequency in photons.

How is the E=hw law used in modern science?

The E=hw law is used in a wide range of scientific fields, including quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and electronics. It is a key equation in understanding the behavior of light and electromagnetic radiation, and is used to calculate the energy of photons in various applications.

What is the significance of Planck's constant in the E=hw law?

Planck's constant (w) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. It has a value of 6.626 x 10^-34 joule-seconds, and is a crucial component of the E=hw law, allowing scientists to calculate the energy of photons in various scenarios.

Is the E=hw law applicable to all types of electromagnetic radiation?

Yes, the E=hw law is applicable to all types of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. This equation is a fundamental law that governs the behavior of photons across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.

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