What is the shortest wavelength of all? >0 or h?

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In summary, the shortest wavelength of all depends on the framework being used. In quantum mechanics, the minimum limit is the Planck length, but in general relativity, there is no minimum wavelength. The Planck length and Planck constant should not be confused, as they have different units. According to De Broglie's formula, a fast-moving heavy particle can have a wavelength smaller than the Planck length.
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Daniel Petka
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Theoretically of course, what is the shortest wavelength of all? Is it the size of the Planck's constant or just anything over zero?
 
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Daniel Petka said:
Theoretically of course, what is the shortest wavelength of all? Is it the size of the Planck's constant or just anything over zero?
Depends on what framework you are working with. Quantum mechanics has a minimum limit, which is the Planck length, General Relativity has smooth space and infinitely divisible energy, so gravity waves can be any size (theoretically.)
 
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There is no minimum wavelength. Not even the Planck length. In the frame of reference of an observer traveling at a high velocity opposite the direction the wave is traveling, the wave would have a significantly shorter wavelength.
 
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Daniel Petka said:
Theoretically of course, what is the shortest wavelength of all? Is it the size of the Planck's constant or just anything over zero?

You should not confuse the Planck length (which has units of distance) with Planck constant (which has units of angular momentum).
 
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With De Broglie's formula a fast moving heavy particle would have a wavelength smaller than Plank's length. (yeah not constant :p)
 

FAQ: What is the shortest wavelength of all? >0 or h?

What is the shortest wavelength of all?

The shortest wavelength of all is the Planck length, which is approximately 1.6 x 10^-35 meters.

Is the shortest wavelength always greater than 0?

No, the shortest wavelength can be equal to 0, as seen with the Planck length. However, it is currently not possible to measure wavelengths at this scale.

What is h in the equation for shortest wavelength?

In the equation for shortest wavelength (λ = h/p), h represents Planck's constant, which is a fundamental constant in quantum mechanics. It has a value of approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 joule seconds.

Can the shortest wavelength be observed in the visible light spectrum?

No, the shortest wavelength is much smaller than the wavelengths in the visible light spectrum, which ranges from 400-700 nanometers. It is only observable at the quantum level.

Why is the shortest wavelength significant in science?

The shortest wavelength, represented by the Planck length, is significant because it is believed to be the limit of the universe's smallest measurable scale. It is also important in understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

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