Energy from Frequency Example Problem

Spectroscopy Example Problem

If you know the frequency of a laser beam, you can calculate the energy of a photon.
If you know the frequency of a laser beam, you can calculate the energy of a photon. Donald Iain Smith / Getty Images
By
Todd Helmenstine
Todd Helmenstine
Todd Helmenstine is a science writer and illustrator who has taught physics and math at the college level. He holds bachelor's degrees in both physics and mathematics.
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Updated on December 05, 2018

This example problem demonstrates how to find the energy of a photon from its frequency.

Problem:

laser beam
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How to Solve an Energy From Wavelength Problem
By Todd Helmenstine

The red light from a helium-neon laser has a frequency of 4.74 x 10​14 Hz. What is the energy of one photon?

Solution:

E = hν where
E = energy
h = Planck's constant = 6.626 x 10-34 J·s
ν = frequency
E = hν
E = 6.626 x 10-34 J·s x 4.74 x 1014 Hz
E = 3.14 x -19 J

Answer:

The energy of a single photon of red light from a helium-neon laser is 3.14 x -19 J.

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Your Citation
Helmenstine, Todd. "Energy from Frequency Example Problem." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/energy-from-frequency-example-problem-609478. Helmenstine, Todd. (2020, August 26). Energy from Frequency Example Problem. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/energy-from-frequency-example-problem-609478 Helmenstine, Todd. "Energy from Frequency Example Problem." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/energy-from-frequency-example-problem-609478 (accessed April 24, 2024).