De Broigle's equation for matter wave and slowing down an object

In summary, the conversation discusses De Broigle's equation for "matter wave" and whether it is possible to slow down an object enough for it to behave as a wave. The equation states that the velocity (v) of an object can be calculated by dividing Planck's constant (h) by the object's mass (m) and the wavelength (λ). However, the person questioning wonders if the velocity must be absolute or if it can be relative to a frame of reference. The other person replies that due to the nested structures of cells, molecules, atoms, etc. in our bodies, it would be impossible for us to behave as a single coherent wave. They suggest that perhaps cooling oneself down to extremely low temperatures could potentially allow
  • #1
dhelado
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De Broigle's equation for "matter wave" and slowing down an object

I was reading the wave-particle duality and there are is something I don't understand:

Can you slow down an object enough for it to start behaving as a wave ?

ej: let's say I weight 81 kg and I want to behave as a wave of λ = 600nm(yellow light) then according to De Broigle's equation :
v = h / mλ
v = (6.626068 * 10^-34) / (81 * 6.0 * 10^-7) = 1.36338848 × 10-29 m/ s

Now, is this possible ? does the velocity have to be absolute or can I have wave behaviour for a given frame of reference?

Meaning, let's say I start running from rest until I reach a velocity of 8 km/h, then, there was a point in time where I had to have the required velocity to behave as a wave for the given λ, at least to the observers that were on my same frame of reference.

Or does it have to be absolute ?

Meaning, I have to take into account the velocity of my planet as it goes around the sun, plus the solar system as it goes around the center of the galaxy, and the galaxy as it moves towards some point in the universe.

Do such places exist, where the velocity of an object is so slow that I could behave as a wave ?
 
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  • #2


If you were one giant elementary particle, maybe so. But you're made up of nested structures of cells and molecules and atoms and electrons and protons and neutrons and quarks etc.etc.etc. (well I guess that's it really)... the point is, you are not an elementary particle, and that means the various components of your body will have velocities relative to each other which, under all but the most extreme circumstances, are far larger than 10^-29 m/s. Random thermal motion alone probably accounts for a few meters per second. So there's no way you could behave as a single coherent wave.

Although if you want to try to cool yourself down to 10^-58 Kelvin to see if you turn into a wave, don't let me stop you! You might even discover something cool :biggrin: along the way. Let us know how it goes ;-)
 

FAQ: De Broigle's equation for matter wave and slowing down an object

1. What is De Broglie's equation for matter waves?

De Broglie's equation, also known as the matter-wave equation, states that the wavelength of a particle is equal to Planck's constant divided by the momentum of the particle. The equation is λ = h/p, where λ is the wavelength, h is Planck's constant, and p is the momentum of the particle.

2. How does De Broglie's equation relate to the concept of wave-particle duality?

De Broglie's equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that explains the wave-like behavior of particles. It shows that all matter, including particles with mass, can exhibit wave-like properties. This supports the concept of wave-particle duality, which states that particles can behave as both waves and particles.

3. Can De Broglie's equation be applied to all types of particles?

Yes, De Broglie's equation can be applied to all types of particles, including electrons, protons, and even macroscopic objects. However, it becomes more significant for particles with smaller masses, such as electrons, as their wavelengths are more noticeable.

4. How does slowing down an object affect its wavelength according to De Broglie's equation?

According to De Broglie's equation, the wavelength of a particle decreases as its momentum decreases. This means that slowing down an object will also decrease its wavelength. In other words, the slower an object moves, the more pronounced its wave-like properties become.

5. What are some practical applications of De Broglie's equation for matter waves?

De Broglie's equation has been used to explain various phenomena in quantum mechanics, such as the diffraction of particles and the behavior of electrons in an atom. It also has practical applications in fields such as electron microscopy and particle accelerators. Additionally, the equation has been used in the development of technologies such as electron microscopes and particle accelerators.

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