Electromagnetic energy (electromagnetic radiant energy) is the term used when the energy transported by electromagnetic waves undergoes measurement.
Electromagnetic energy can also be described as energy transported by particles (photons) rather than waves.
- Electromagnetic radiation is also called EM radiation, EMR and electromagnetic radiant energy.
- Stars including the sun radiate electromagnetic energy through space at every wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- When the waveform of electromagnetic radiation is being considered, electromagnetic energy is measured by calculating the frequency of the electromagnetic waves.
- The unit used to calculate frequency is the hertz (Hz). One hertz equals one wave-cycle per second.
- When electromagnetic radiant energy is considered in terms of photons then the unit of measurement is photon energy.
- Units of measurement of photon energy are the electronvolt (eV) and the joule.
- When electromagnetic radiation is being considered in terms of photons, the elementary particles of the electromagnetic field, then the higher the photon’s frequency, the higher its energy and the longer the photon’s wavelength, the lower its energy.
- Photon energy is solely a function of the photon’s wavelength and frequency.
- Other factors, such as the intensity of the radiation, do not affect photon energy. In other words, two photons of light with the same colour and therefore, same frequency, will have the same photon energy, even if one was emitted from a wax candle and the other from the Sun.
Related diagrams
Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.
