Question

What are de Broglie waves?

Answer 1

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.