- #1
WraithM
- 32
- 0
Okay, I have a quantum physics problem set, and I would really like to have a clear understanding of what I'm doing before I get into the thick of it.
This is probably incredibly cliche, but I'm having trouble understanding particle-wave duality. I have no problem with the concept of a particle exhibiting wave-like features; however my teacher and textbook are very ambiguous about the frequency and wavelength of particles.
I have no problem with the fact that a photon, an electron, or whatever have frequency, considering that different colors exist :D and other such examples. I'm just not exactly clear on what exactly the frequency is measuring.
So, frequency is defined as the number of cycles per second. My question is in relation to particles "cycles of what?"
So, a wave (as in, ones found at the beach) frequency is measured by number of waves that go by per second. Sound is measuring change in pressure. (I appologize for poor use of words, but please try to understand what I'm getting at.) Then when I get to particles, frequency of a particle is... uh... what?
As I said, I have no problem with the fact that frequency of a particle exists. I have a problem with exactly what the frequency is measuring. Frequency of a particle is the number of cycles of _______ per second. I'm wondering what goes into that blank spot.
Thank you for considering my question and such, I know it probably seems silly, but I honestly can't find a straight answer for this question.
-Matt Wraith
This is probably incredibly cliche, but I'm having trouble understanding particle-wave duality. I have no problem with the concept of a particle exhibiting wave-like features; however my teacher and textbook are very ambiguous about the frequency and wavelength of particles.
I have no problem with the fact that a photon, an electron, or whatever have frequency, considering that different colors exist :D and other such examples. I'm just not exactly clear on what exactly the frequency is measuring.
So, frequency is defined as the number of cycles per second. My question is in relation to particles "cycles of what?"
So, a wave (as in, ones found at the beach) frequency is measured by number of waves that go by per second. Sound is measuring change in pressure. (I appologize for poor use of words, but please try to understand what I'm getting at.) Then when I get to particles, frequency of a particle is... uh... what?
As I said, I have no problem with the fact that frequency of a particle exists. I have a problem with exactly what the frequency is measuring. Frequency of a particle is the number of cycles of _______ per second. I'm wondering what goes into that blank spot.
Thank you for considering my question and such, I know it probably seems silly, but I honestly can't find a straight answer for this question.
-Matt Wraith