PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Measurements and their errors · Measurements and their errors
Problem
In quantum theory, the energy of a photon is related to its frequency ν by E=hν, where h is Planck’s constant.
(i) Derive the dimensional formula of Planck’s constant h using the above relation.
(ii) The same energy can be expressed as E=λhc, where c is the speed of light and λ is the wavelength. Using this relation, verify that the dimensional formula obtained in part (i) is consistent.
(iii) Angular momentum has the dimensions ML2T−1. Comment, with reason based on dimensions alone, whether Planck’s constant can be interpreted as a quantum of angular momentum.