I understand that photon's energy equal hf, but why electon's also?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy of photons and electrons, specifically the relationship expressed by the equation E=hf. Participants are exploring the implications of this equation for electrons, particularly in relation to their rest mass energy and the concept of matter waves.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to differentiate the frequency "f" for photons and electrons, suggesting that the energy of electrons may involve additional factors beyond the simple E=hf relationship. Others question whether E=hf applies universally to electrons or only under certain conditions, such as when their kinetic energy is significantly greater than their rest mass energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various interpretations and mathematical reasoning. Some have offered insights into the conditions under which E=hf might hold for electrons, while others are questioning the validity of applying this equation when the rest mass energy is dominant.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of energy relationships in quantum mechanics, particularly in the context of de Broglie wavelengths and the conditions under which different forms of energy are considered. There is a noted lack of consensus on the applicability of E=hf for electrons in all scenarios.

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Homework Statement


Photon:E=hf
Electron:E=hf? where f is the frequency of the matter wave.
But where does the rest mass energy of electron goes, does it include in the "hf"?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I think the "f" of photon is different from the "f" of electron.
"f" of photon is exactly the light wave frequency(can be observed), while the "f" of electrons is the "matter wave"'s.
For everything such as Car, the energy is also "hf", where "f" of the car is the matter wave frequency of the car.
So for everything with mass, the "hf" energy also includes any energy such as rest mass, kinetic, potential, and so on. It's because all energy is reflected by the frequency of matter wave. And photon is a special case as it has no mass.
 
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can somebody help please i have upload attachment for further.
 

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Further elaboration:
I think E=hf holds for electron when the energy of electron is much GREATER than its rest energy.
My proof:
[itex]E^2=p^{2}c^{2}+E_o^2[/itex]
When [itex]E>>>E_0[/itex],
[itex]E^2=p^{2}c^{2}[/itex]
leads to
[itex]E=pc[/itex]

By de Broglie wavelength:
[itex]p=\frac{h}{\lambda}[/itex]

Combine:
[itex]E=\frac{hc}{\lambda}[/itex]
so
[itex]E=hf[/itex]!Is my work correct? Or electron's energy is equal to "hf" all the time even when its comparable to rest mass energy?
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
However i find that even some use E=hf for electron moving with momentum with only 10^-25, which means KE only 10^-19? so KE is very small and rest mass energy dominates, why still use E=hf??
 

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