E=hv vs E=hf

[Catherine Bubser 2C]

Why is frequency denoted as v in the first equation? I understand that these are the same equation and was curious as to why some equations use v.

[Charisma Arreola 2F]

I think it is just a matter of what is given in a test or problem.

[Isabella Cortes 2H]

I believe that E=hv is occasionally denoted as E=hf to avoid confusion as v can also mean velocity for other equations.

[Nicole Attiq 3D]

The v is the greek letter "nu". Like the previous person said, we only use the second equation so as to not confuse velocity with frequency. However, most of the time we use the equation with the nu.

[Gwendolyn Hill 2F]

I personally prefer to use f when I'm writing down problems, just because I don't want to get mixed up between the v for frequency and the V for velocity

[Gian Boco 2G]

I think the distinction is based mostly on context.

[Ralph Zhang 2L]

The "v" is technically not a v, it is a Greek letter. If they use f for frequency then its probably to differentiate itself based on the context.

[Justin Zhang_1A]

V stands for velocity, and the symbol for frequency is the Greek letter nu, which is like an italicized v, so sometimes f is used to avoid confusion.

[Irene Nguyen 2J]

I believe it's for better visual distinction as frequency (v as in nu) and velocity (v) share the same character. There's a symbol (a fancier looking v, honestly) to distinguish between the two, but the forum won't let me use it in a post :)

[Ansh Patel 2I]

Hi! I believe it is just by preference; Using v (Greek letter, not velocity) and f is interchangable.

[Jacob Schwarz-Discussion 3I]

They just don't want to confuse it with velocity so sometimes they use E=hf

[Ariana Flores 3F]

Like others have said, there is no difference!

[Kiara Phillips 3L]

Use whatever one you prefer, they are interchangeable!

[Brian Bui 3H]

As others said, they are interchangeable! However v (Greek letter) for frequency has a little curve on the left while v for velocity is just straight, if that helps. Very nit-picky details!

[Michelle Nguyen 3F]

The difference usually depends on the context of the problem. Sometimes when v is used as velocity, f is used for frequency.

[Gicelle Rubin 1E]

As others said, they are interchangeable! However v (Greek letter) for frequency has a little curve on the left while v for velocity is just straight, if that helps. Very nit-picky details!

Thanks for this! I probably would not have noticed that tiny detail.