9702 · 22.1
Energy and momentum of a photon
Welcome to the fascinating world of quantum physics! We often think of light as a wave, but at the microscopic level, it behaves like tiny, individual packets of energy. These packets are called **photons**, and understanding their energy and momentum is crucial for A Level Physics. This pilot aligns with **Senpai Corner** A Level notes (2025–2027) for topic **22.1**.
Need to know
What you need to know
- Photons have zero rest mass but possess momentum.
- Momentum is inversely proportional to wavelength.
- Photon momentum is crucial for understanding radiation pressure.
Explanation
Energy and momentum of a photon
- Photons have zero rest mass but possess momentum.
- Momentum is inversely proportional to wavelength.
- Photon momentum is crucial for understanding radiation pressure.