Energy Quantization and Frequency

Most recent answer: 08/05/2010

Q:
From what i remember, energy is supposed to come in small units or quantum, and since E=hv doesn't mean that only discrete wavelenths of electromagnetic radiation are allowed? If so why dont I see black lines in a spectrum like a rainbow, or if not how canenergy be quantised and not frequency sicne they are related by E=hv?
- Roy (age 50)
London,uk
A:
The relation E=hv says that the energy in some wave with frequency v come in packets of size hv. However, v itself can be any positive number. Once it's set, then you know the packet size. Likewise, the packet size can be any number, but once it's set you know the frequency v.

Mike W.

(published on 08/05/2010)