Electromagnetic Spectrum Calculator
Convert between frequency, wavelength, and photon energy for electromagnetic radiation.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum Fundamentals
The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum encompasses all forms of electromagnetic radiation, which travels in waves and carries energy. These waves vary in wavelength and frequency, but all travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.
Key Formulas:
- Speed of Light: c = λ × f
- Photon Energy: E = h × f = (h × c) / λ
Where:
- c = Speed of light in vacuum (≈ 3 × 108 m/s)
- h = Planck's constant (≈ 6.626 × 10-34 J·s)
- λ = Wavelength
- f = Frequency
- E = Photon Energy
Electromagnetic Spectrum Regions
| Region | Wavelength Range | Frequency Range | Photon Energy Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio | > 1 m | < 300 MHz | < 1.24 μeV |
| Microwave | 1 mm - 1 m | 300 MHz - 300 GHz | 1.24 μeV - 1.24 meV |
| Infrared | 750 nm - 1 mm | 300 GHz - 400 THz | 1.24 meV - 1.65 eV |
| Visible | 380 nm - 750 nm | 400 THz - 790 THz | 1.65 eV - 3.26 eV |
| Ultraviolet | 10 nm - 380 nm | 790 THz - 30 PHz | 3.26 eV - 124 eV |
| X-ray | 0.01 nm - 10 nm | 30 PHz - 30 EHz | 124 eV - 124 keV |
| Gamma Ray | < 0.01 nm | > 30 EHz | > 124 keV |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of EM radiation. Radiation is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes – the visible light that comes from a lamp in your house and the radio waves that come from a radio station are two types of electromagnetic radiation.
How are frequency, wavelength, and energy related in the EM spectrum?
These three quantities are intrinsically linked. Wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) are inversely proportional (λ = c/f, where c is the speed of light). Photon energy (E) is directly proportional to frequency (E = hf, where h is Planck's constant).
What are the different regions of the EM spectrum?
From longest wavelength (lowest frequency/energy) to shortest wavelength (highest frequency/energy), the main regions are: Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light, Ultraviolet, X-rays, and Gamma rays.