Question regarding de Broglie wavelength.

In summary, the de Broglie wavelength of a particle does not determine the wavelength of radiation it emits or absorbs. However, if a massive particle were to have the same momentum as a photon in the visible spectrum, its de Broglie wavelength would be equivalent to that of the photon. A particle with no momentum would have an infinite de Broglie wavelength, making it impossible to conduct a double-slit experiment with it. A small de Broglie wavelength would mean that the particle would interact with low energy photons. Overall, a large de Broglie wavelength would require a larger double-slit experiment to observe interference fringes. This concept can be compared to the reception of different types of radiation by various forms of matter, similar
  • #1
Polyrix
6
0
Hi there,


Is it possible if an object were to hypothetically gain enough momentum such that its de Broglie wavelength is equivalent to, say, some light in the visible spectrum, that the object would emit light?


Thanks!
 
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  • #2
The de Broglie wavelength is not the wavelength of radiation emitted by a particle. But yes, if a massive particle had the same momentum as a photon in the visible range then its de Broglie wavelength would be the same as the wavelength of a photon in the visible range.
 
  • #3
If the mass had no momentum, its wavelength would be infinite, but what would that mean?
 
  • #4
It would mean that you couldn't do a double-slit experiment with it.
 
  • #6
vin300 said:
If the mass had no momentum, its wavelength would be infinite, but what would that mean?

itbell nailed it. But if the momentum was very small, it would mean the deBroglie wavelength was large. Radiation of an equal wavelength would interact with matter via very low energy photons.
 
  • #7
No, the deBroglie wavelength is not the wavelength of EM radiation emitted by a massive particle nor is it a wavelength of EM radiation absorbed by a massive particle. A large deBroglie wavelength essentially means that you would need a large double-slit experiment in order to see interference fringes.
 
  • #8
It's pretty intuitive actually, much as you can envision it a radio wave vs. a microwave. in terms of wavelength and how that effects its reception by various forms of matter.
 

FAQ: Question regarding de Broglie wavelength.

1. What is de Broglie wavelength?

De Broglie wavelength is a concept in physics proposed by Louis de Broglie in 1924. It states that all matter, including particles such as electrons and protons, exhibit properties of both particles and waves. The de Broglie wavelength is the wavelength associated with a moving particle and is given by the formula λ = h/mv, where h is Planck's constant, m is the mass of the particle, and v is its velocity.

2. What is the significance of de Broglie wavelength?

The concept of de Broglie wavelength is significant because it provides a way to describe the wave-like behavior of matter. It helps to explain phenomena such as diffraction and interference, which were previously only observed in waves. It also forms the basis of quantum mechanics and is essential in understanding the behavior of subatomic particles.

3. How is de Broglie wavelength related to the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle, proposed by Werner Heisenberg, states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty. The de Broglie wavelength is related to this principle as it represents the uncertainty in the momentum of a particle. The smaller the de Broglie wavelength, the more uncertain the momentum of the particle becomes.

4. Can the de Broglie wavelength of macroscopic objects be observed?

No, the de Broglie wavelength of macroscopic objects, such as a human or a car, is incredibly small and cannot be observed. This is because the mass and velocity of these objects are too large to produce a measurable wavelength. The de Broglie wavelength is only significant for particles with very small masses, such as electrons and protons.

5. How is de Broglie wavelength related to the wave-particle duality?

The wave-particle duality is the concept that all matter can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior. The de Broglie wavelength is related to this duality as it provides a way to describe the wave-like behavior of matter. It shows that particles can have a wavelength associated with them, similar to how waves have a wavelength. This further supports the idea that matter has both particle and wave properties.

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