Planck's Constant:
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Planck's constant (h) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. It is a cornerstone of quantum mechanics and has a value of approximately 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ joule-seconds.
The calculator uses the Planck-Einstein relation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation demonstrates the quantized nature of energy at the atomic and subatomic levels, where energy is transferred in discrete packets called quanta.
Details: Planck's constant is fundamental to quantum mechanics, underpinning technologies like lasers, semiconductors, and quantum computing. It's essential for understanding atomic and molecular behavior.
Tips: Enter frequency in hertz and energy in joules. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute Planck's constant using the relationship h = E/ν.
Q1: Why is Planck's constant important?
A: It's a fundamental constant that defines the scale of quantum effects and is crucial for understanding the behavior of particles at atomic scales.
Q2: What are typical values for frequency and energy?
A: For visible light, frequencies range from 400-790 THz, with energies around 1.6-3.3 eV (2.6-5.3 × 10⁻¹⁹ J).
Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but the result depends on the accuracy of your input measurements.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for educational purposes?
A: Yes, it's an excellent tool for students learning about quantum mechanics and the relationship between energy and frequency.
Q5: What units should I use?
A: Use hertz (Hz) for frequency and joules (J) for energy to get Planck's constant in standard J·s units.