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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 represents the wavelength associated with a particle and is given by λ = h/p, where h is Planck's constant and p is the momentum of the particle.
The calculator uses the De Broglie wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows the inverse relationship between a particle's momentum and its wavelength - higher momentum results in shorter wavelength.
Details: Calculating De Broglie wavelength is fundamental in quantum mechanics for understanding wave-particle duality, electron microscopy, and various quantum phenomena where matter exhibits wave-like behavior.
Tips: Enter the momentum of the particle in kg m/s. The value must be positive and non-zero. The calculator will automatically use Planck's constant (6.626×10⁻³⁴ J s) in the calculation.
Q1: What is the significance of De Broglie wavelength?
A: It demonstrates that all matter has wave-like properties, bridging the gap between classical and quantum physics and explaining phenomena like electron diffraction.
Q2: Why is Planck's constant used in this formula?
A: Planck's constant is the fundamental constant that relates energy to frequency in quantum mechanics and serves as the scaling factor between particle and wave properties.
Q3: For which particles is this wavelength significant?
A: The wavelength becomes significant for microscopic particles like electrons, protons, and atoms, where it's comparable to atomic dimensions.
Q4: How does momentum affect the wavelength?
A: Higher momentum results in shorter wavelength. Macroscopic objects have extremely small wavelengths due to their large momentum.
Q5: What are practical applications of this concept?
A: Electron microscopy, neutron diffraction studies, quantum computing, and understanding atomic and molecular structure all rely on De Broglie's wave-particle duality concept.