Problem in the Defination of electon's wavelength

  • Thread starter soopo
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Wavelength
In summary, the electron's wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of its wavefunction, inversely related to its momentum and energy. It cannot be measured directly and differs from the definition of a photon's wavelength. This concept is crucial in understanding the wave-like behavior of particles and has various practical applications.
  • #1
soopo
225
0
Given:
[tex]\lambda = h / (mv) [/tex], whehere lambda is the wavelenght of electron, h Planck's constant, m the rest mass of electron and v the speed of electron.

Problem:
Does electron has a mass? I know it has a rest mass and thus contain energy. This problem is perhaps a defination problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Sure the electron has a mass. (What would make you think otherwise?)
 
  • #3
electron mass = 9.109382 x 10 to the -31st power (in kg)
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Problem in the Defination of electon's wavelength

What is the definition of an electron's wavelength?

The definition of an electron's wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of an electron's wavefunction, also known as its de Broglie wavelength. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that relates the momentum of an electron to its wavelength.

How is an electron's wavelength related to its energy?

According to the de Broglie equation, the wavelength of an electron is inversely proportional to its momentum, which is directly related to its energy. This means that as an electron's energy increases, its wavelength decreases. This relationship is a key aspect of the wave-particle duality of electrons.

Can an electron's wavelength be measured directly?

No, an electron's wavelength cannot be measured directly. This is because the wavelength of an electron is on the order of nanometers, which is much smaller than the wavelength of visible light. Instead, it is calculated using the de Broglie equation or measured indirectly through experiments such as electron diffraction.

How does the definition of an electron's wavelength differ from that of a photon's?

The definition of an electron's wavelength is similar to that of a photon's in that both are measures of the distance between consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave. However, the key difference is that an electron's wavelength is a property of matter, while a photon's wavelength is a property of electromagnetic radiation.

Why is the definition of an electron's wavelength important?

The definition of an electron's wavelength is important because it helps us understand the wave-like behavior of particles at the quantum level. It is also essential in various applications, such as electron microscopy and electron diffraction, which rely on the wave nature of electrons to study the structure and properties of matter.

Similar threads

I De Broglie Wavelength at rest: λ = h/p = h/0 when v=0?
Replies
5
Views
2K
I The new definition of kg and the mass-energy equivalence
Replies
4
Views
4K
B Contributions to total energy in different areas of Physics
Replies
6
Views
2K
Calculating energy from de Broglie wavelength
Replies
2
Views
1K
Wavelength = deBroglie Wavelength?
Replies
11
Views
2K
I E=hf for massive particles, but which Energy exactly?
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Clarification required for some equations in the formulation of ideal Bose gas
Replies
2
Views
5K
How Much Energy is Released When a Uranium Nucleus Captures an Electron?
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Why not find mass increase in a simple way?
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
I Volume of momentum space of an ideal gas
Replies
8
Views
530

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top