Visible photon
A visible photon is a single particle of light within the range detectable by the human eye.
How big is it?
2.247 eV · energy
Energy · defined energy model
A little perspective
Visible photon vs Green photon energy: energy comparison
The energy of a visible photon is approximately equal to the energy of a green photon.
ENERGY STORED OR TRANSFERRED
A visible photon is a single particle of light within the range detectable by the human eye.
Green photon energy is the energy carried by a single photon of green light, determined by its wavelength and fundamental physical constants.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Visible photon
Energy: 2.247 eV; defined energy model.
A 550 nm photon model, using E = hc/λ. Other wavelengths carry different energy.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Green photon energy
Photon energy at 550 nm: 2.253 eV; derived from defined specimen; range 2.247 eV–2.259 eV.
A defined 550 nm photon carries about 3.61 × 10⁻¹⁹ J, calculated from exact c and h. Green light spans a range of wavelengths, so this is one explicit wavelength specimen.
NIST — 2022 CODATA fundamental constants
The marked photon energy at 550 nm is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 2.247 eV
We compare the energy of a visible photon. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
A 550 nm photon model, using E = hc/λ. Other wavelengths carry different energy.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.247 eV | Not recorded | defined energy model |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueFundamental physicsStrontium-87 optical clock transition1.779 eVClock-transition photon energyThe strontium-87 optical clock transition is an energy change between two quantum states of strontium atoms that can set the timing of an optical atomic clock.Nearest higher valueEnergyGreen photon energy2.253 eVPhoton energy at 550 nmGreen photon energy is the energy carried by a single photon of green light, determined by its wavelength and fundamental physical constants.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
EnergyFood kilocalorie4.184 kJA food kilocalorie is the energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius, used to express food energy.
EnergyPhone battery54 kJA phone battery stores electrical energy to power a mobile phone.
EnergyElectric car battery216 MJAn electric car battery stores energy to power an electric vehicle.
EnergyOne second of sunlight3.828 × 10¹¹ PJThe total energy emitted by the Sun in all directions over one second.EnergyGreen photon energy2.253 eVGreen photon energy is the energy carried by a single photon of green light, determined by its wavelength and fundamental physical constants.Fundamental physicsStrontium-87 optical clock transition1.779 eVThe strontium-87 optical clock transition is an energy change between two quantum states of strontium atoms that can set the timing of an optical atomic clock.
EnergyHydrogen atom ground-state binding energy13.61 eVHydrogen atom ground-state binding energy is the energy needed to remove the electron from a hydrogen atom in its lowest energy state.Fundamental physicsCaesium-133 clock transition108.8 psThe caesium-133 clock transition is the specific change in energy state of a caesium-133 atom that defines the duration of one second in the International System of Units.