Differing wavelengths of equal energy photons and electrons

Additionally, to find the energy when the difference between their wavelengths is a factor of 4, you can use the same formula and think of the electron as a photon with a non-zero rest mass. Remember to show all your efforts in finding the solution according to the rules of this sub-forum.
  • #1
mushupork5
6
0
If a photon and an electron have the same energy how would i show that their wavelengths differ (relativistically)? Furthermore, how would I find the energy when the difference between the wavelength of the photon and electron is a factor of 4? thanks
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF,

You can start by showing the equations for the wavelength of a photon and an electron.

~H
 
  • #3
well the wavelength of a photon is simply h/p, for the electron i can't seem to find a formula for the wavelength
 
  • #4
1. mushu : The rules for this sub-forum require that you show all the effort you've made towards solving the problem before we can help you.

2. Now that you've started, go back to the question. You want to find the wavelength in terms of the energy.

3. There's a name given to the wavelength associated with a particle (or any chunk of matter). Do you remember what this name is ?
 
  • #5
mushupork5 said:
well the wavelength of a photon is simply h/p, for the electron i can't seem to find a formula for the wavelength
Use the same formula. Think of the electron as a photon that has a non-zero rest mass.

AM
 

What is the difference between photons and electrons in terms of energy?

Photons are particles of light that carry energy and have no mass, while electrons are negatively charged particles that carry energy and have mass. Both photons and electrons can have the same amount of energy, but they have different properties and behave differently.

How do the wavelengths of photons and electrons compare in terms of energy?

The wavelength of a photon determines its energy, with shorter wavelengths having higher energy and longer wavelengths having lower energy. In contrast, the energy of an electron is determined by its velocity, not its wavelength. Therefore, photons and electrons with equal energy may have different wavelengths.

Why do photons and electrons have differing wavelengths if they have the same energy?

The wavelength of a photon is determined by its frequency, which is a property of light. On the other hand, the wavelength of an electron is determined by its momentum, which is a property of matter. Therefore, even if they have the same amount of energy, photons and electrons can have different wavelengths because they have different properties.

How does the energy of photons and electrons affect their behavior?

The energy of a photon determines its frequency and wavelength, which determine its behavior in terms of interactions with matter and how it travels through space. In contrast, the energy of an electron determines its velocity and, therefore, its behavior in terms of its motion and interactions with other particles.

What is the relationship between the energy of photons and electrons?

The energy of photons and electrons are both forms of energy, but they are not directly related to each other. They can have the same amount of energy, but they have different properties, behaviors, and effects. It is important to understand the differences between photons and electrons and how their energy affects them individually and in various systems and interactions.

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