De Broglie Wavelength Formula:
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The De Broglie wavelength is a concept in quantum mechanics that states that all matter exhibits wave-like properties. It relates the wavelength of a particle to its momentum, demonstrating the wave-particle duality of matter.
The calculator uses the De Broglie wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that the wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to both its mass and velocity.
Details: The De Broglie hypothesis was fundamental in the development of quantum mechanics and helps explain phenomena such as electron diffraction and the behavior of particles at atomic scales.
Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the significance of Planck's constant in this formula?
A: Planck's constant (h) is a fundamental constant in quantum mechanics that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency and appears in many quantum mechanical equations.
Q2: For which particles is the De Broglie wavelength most noticeable?
A: The wave nature of matter is most observable for very small particles like electrons, protons, and neutrons, where the wavelength is comparable to atomic dimensions.
Q3: Can we observe wave properties in macroscopic objects?
A: While all matter has wave properties, the wavelengths of macroscopic objects are extremely small and undetectable with current technology.
Q4: How was the De Broglie hypothesis experimentally verified?
A: The Davisson-Germer experiment in 1927 demonstrated electron diffraction, confirming the wave nature of electrons and validating De Broglie's hypothesis.
Q5: What are some practical applications of this concept?
A: Electron microscopes, which use the wave properties of electrons, provide much higher resolution than light microscopes and are used in various scientific fields.