Energy/frequency relation in quantum waves

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between energy and frequency in quantum waves, highlighting that this relationship is defined by Planck's constant. Unlike classical sound waves, where energy does not directly correlate with frequency, quantum waves exhibit a direct proportionality between frequency and energy, as established by the equation E = hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency. This fundamental principle underpins various quantum phenomena and distinguishes quantum mechanics from classical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Planck's constant and its significance in quantum mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of wave-particle duality in quantum physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of energy and frequency in physical systems
  • Knowledge of classical versus quantum wave behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Planck's constant in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the equation E = hf in various quantum contexts
  • Investigate the differences between classical and quantum wave behavior
  • Learn about wave-particle duality and its applications in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, as well as educators seeking to explain the fundamental differences between classical and quantum wave phenomena.

Ian
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I read this remark on a post in the classical physics section.

"Sound waves, unlike quantum waves, don't have frequency proportional to energy".

Can anyone expand on this for me?
Why is the frequency in quantum waves related to the wave energy?

Thanks,
Ian.
 
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It is the primitive postulate. Plank constant, which has units [h]=[p][x]=[E][t] is used to relate energy and frequency, and also momentum and wavelength.
 
Originally posted by Ian
I read this remark on a post in the classical physics section.

"Sound waves, unlike quantum waves, don't have frequency proportional to energy".

Can anyone expand on this for me?
Why is the frequency in quantum waves related to the wave energy?
Ian.
Energy dependens on frequency in many periodic classical systems. Consider an ellastic ball bouncing between two walls - the ball energy will grow with the square of the bounce-cycle frequency.
 

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