Light & Optics Labλ = c / f • E = hf

589 nm to RGB & Color Calculator

Approximate how 589 nm monochromatic spectral light can be represented in sRGB, and calculate CIE 1931 tristimulus values, THz frequency, and photon energy.

CIE 1931 Spectral Synthesis
589 nm
Yellow
#FF8C00
nm
380 nm (Violet)555 nm (Peak)750 nm (Deep Red)
Frequency
508.985 THz
Photon Energy
2.105 eV
sRGB Channels
255, 140, 0
CIE 1931 XYZ
1.0132, 0.7749

Why You See This Color (589 nm)

At 589 nm, monochromatic electromagnetic waves stimulate Long (L) cones substantially more than Medium (M) cones, while Short (S) cone sensitivity is very low. This biological excitation ratio contributes to the perception of warm amber and orange. Carrying an energy of 2.105 eV per photon at a frequency of 508.985 THz, this spectral line is approximated here with standard sRGB primaries.

Physical Parameter Breakdown

Wavelength (λ):589 nm (589 × 10⁻⁹ m)
Oscillation Frequency (f):508.985 THz
Photon Quantum Energy (E):2.105 eV
CIE 1931 Tristimulus (XYZ):X:1.0132 Y:0.7749 Z:0.0002
Traian Anghel
Traian AnghelAuthor & Reviewer

Physics Teacher & Educational TechnologistBrăila, Romania

Last Reviewed: August 2026
Wave Lab calculators are constructed using rigorous peer-reviewed physics formulas from verified metrological repositories. Every equation, spectral conversion, and acoustic property is tested against NIST, CIE, and ISO datasets.
Verified Sources:NIST CODATACIE 1931 2° ObserverNASA Glenn Research

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