What is Planck’s Constant?
Planck’s constant, denoted as “h,” is a fundamental physical constant that plays a crucial role in quantum mechanics, describing the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. Named after German physicist Max Planck, who introduced it in 1900, the constant quantifies the relationship between the energy of a photon and the frequency of its associated electromagnetic wave. Its value, approximately 6.626 x 10-34 joule-second, underpins the understanding of phenomena such as the quantization of energy levels and the wave-particle duality of particles, forming a cornerstone in the foundation of modern physics.
Planck’s Constant Formula
Planck’s constant, denoted as “h,” is a fundamental constant in physics. Its formula is often expressed in the context of the energy-frequency relationship for electromagnetic radiation, such as light. The formula is given by:
E = hν
where,
- E represents electromagnetic radiation
- h represents Planck’s constant
- ν represents frequency of the radiation.