Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: johnj7 on January 29, 2009, 03:49:55 PM

Title: simple question hf vs hv
Post by: johnj7 on January 29, 2009, 03:49:55 PM

Hello, a quick question
when referring to the quantization of energy, we use the equation
(delta)E = hf
meaning plancks constant times frequency

in organic chemistry, I also see "hv" over the reaction arrow for rxns that use high energy light, like UV

is "hf" and "hv" the same thing?

ie does "v" stand for frequency, but just a different notation?

thank you!

Title: Re: simple question hf vs hv
Post by: macman104 on January 29, 2009, 04:02:16 PM

It's not a v, it's the greek letter Nu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nu_(letter))  (but it looks a damn lot like a v!).  And yes, it stands for frequency.