Wavelength and frequency are two properties that effect the energy of a wave.

Energy is directly proportional to a wave’s frequency. This means that as the frequency of a wave increases so does the wave’s energy. The relationship between a wave’s frequency and energy can be represented via the formula identified below.

E = hv

E = Energy in Joules (J)

v= frequency in hertz, or 1/s

h= Plank’s constant = 6.626 x 10 ^ -32 s

The wavelength and energy of a wave are inversely proportional to one another. This means that waves with larger wavelengths have less energy. The following equation relates a wave’s energy and wavelength.

E = hc/λ

E = Energy in Joules (J)

h= Plank’s constant = 6.626 x 10 ^ -32 s

c = the speed of light in a vacuum = 3.0 x 10 ^8 m/s

λ = the wavelength in meters