Question

Light can be treated as particles called photons. What are the two equations that relate wavelength to frequency and to energy?

a) (i) E=hν, (ii) c=λν
b) (i) c=λν, (ii) E=hν
c) (i) λν=c, (ii) hν=E
d) (i) hν=E, (ii) c=λν

Answer 1

The two correct equations that relate wavelength, frequency, and energy of light are E = hν (energy and frequency) and c = λν (speed of light, wavelength, and frequency).

Step-by-step explanation:

Relationship Between Energy, Wavelength, and Frequency of Light

Light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties, and when treated as particles, these are called photons. Two fundamental equations relate the wavelength (λ), frequency (ν), and energy (E) of photons. The first equation, E = hν, shows that the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, with 'h' being Planck's constant. The second equation, c = λν, known as the wave equation, expresses the relationship between the speed of light (c), its wavelength (λ), and its frequency (ν).

Considering the provided options for the equations relating these properties, the correct pair of equations is: (i) E = hν, representing the energy of a photon, and (ii) c = λν, representing the relationship between the speed of light, wavelength, and frequency.