The frequency and wavelength of a photon are related to each other through the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 186,282 miles per second). The relationship between frequency (f), wavelength (λ), and the speed of light (c) is given by the equation:
c = f * λ
where: c = speed of light in a vacuum (approximately 299,792,458 m/s) f = frequency of the photon λ = wavelength of the photon
To find the frequency or wavelength of a photon, you can rearrange the equation to solve for the unknown variable.
If you know the frequency (f), you can calculate the wavelength (λ) using the formula:
λ = c / f
If you know the wavelength (λ), you can calculate the frequency (f) using the formula:
f = c / λ
It's important to note that the frequency of a photon determines its energy, according to the equation:
E = h * f
where: E = energy of the photon h = Planck's constant (approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 joule-seconds)
The relationship between frequency, wavelength, and energy is fundamental in the study of electromagnetic radiation, including light and photons.