Mass & wavelength
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Mass & wavelength
I understand that the mass and wavelength of a particle are inversely related, as per the de Broglie equation, but could someone explain why this is actually the case? Thanks!
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Re: Mass & wavelength
If you maintain momentum and increase mass, velocity decreases in the de Broglie equation, λ = h / p, where p is momentum (mass times velocity). This results in an increase in wavelength (λ). As a result, mass and wavelength have an inverse relationship.
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Re: Mass & wavelength
You could also think about it this way which I find more intuitive:
The inverse relationship between mass a wavelength suggests that particles with larger masses, have extremely short wavelengths and act more like classic particles with a well-defined position. And conversely, particles with very small masses, such as electrons, exhibit wave-like behavior with longer wavelength, which is why it is so hard to determine its specific position in space.
The inverse relationship between mass a wavelength suggests that particles with larger masses, have extremely short wavelengths and act more like classic particles with a well-defined position. And conversely, particles with very small masses, such as electrons, exhibit wave-like behavior with longer wavelength, which is why it is so hard to determine its specific position in space.
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