DeBroglie: Wave Characteristics of Matter

Key Questions

  • Answer:

    Louis de Broglie extended the notion of wave motion from light to other particles, such as electrons. It is possible to calculate a de Broglie wavelength for anything, including an elephant!

    Explanation:

    The formula is lambda = h/p where h is Planck's constant, 6.63xx10^-34 m^2kgs^-1, and p is the momentum (p=mv, mass times velocity).

    If you do the calculation, you will find out that the de Broglie wavelength for big objects like an elephant or a tennis ball is immeasurably tiny. It is only for very tiny objects like electrons that the concept really has much significance.

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