De Broglie Matter Waves: Where Does the Fraction Come From?

In summary, de Broglie matter waves are a concept in quantum mechanics proposed by physicist Louis de Broglie that suggests all particles have both wave-like and particle-like properties. The de Broglie wavelength, represented by λ, is a fraction involving the Planck constant and the momentum of a particle, showing the wave-like nature of particles. This wavelength is inversely proportional to the momentum of a particle and has been observed in experiments such as the Davisson-Germer experiment. The concept of de Broglie matter waves is closely related to the wave-particle duality principle, which states that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
  • #1
Matter_Matters
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In de Broglie's original proof of the theorem of phase harmony, the frequency of the moving wave of energy mc^2 (not the internal periodic phenomenon wave) is multiplied by the following term

##freq * ( t - \frac{\beta * x}{c} ) ##

Does anyone have an idea where the fraction comes from? All help appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Never mind... I got it! answer is on pg 40 of de Broglie's introduction to wave mechanics!
 

1. What is the concept of de Broglie matter waves?

The de Broglie matter waves, also known as matter waves, are a concept in quantum mechanics proposed by physicist Louis de Broglie. It suggests that all particles, including electrons, protons, and atoms, have both wave-like and particle-like properties.

2. Why is there a fraction involved in de Broglie matter waves?

The fraction involved in de Broglie matter waves is known as the de Broglie wavelength, represented by the symbol λ. This wavelength is a result of the ratio between the Planck constant (h) and the momentum of the particle (p), which is given by λ = h/p. This fraction represents the wave-like nature of particles and is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics.

3. How is the de Broglie wavelength related to the momentum of a particle?

The de Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the momentum of a particle. This means that as the momentum of a particle increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation λ = h/p, where h is a constant value and p is the momentum of the particle.

4. Can the de Broglie wavelength be observed in experiments?

Yes, the de Broglie wavelength has been observed in various experiments, such as the Davisson-Germer experiment, where electrons were diffracted by a crystal lattice. This experiment confirmed the wave-like nature of particles and the existence of de Broglie matter waves.

5. How does the concept of de Broglie matter waves relate to the wave-particle duality?

The concept of de Broglie matter waves is closely related to the wave-particle duality principle, which states that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. The de Broglie wavelength is one of the key pieces of evidence for this principle, as it shows that particles have a wave nature in addition to their particle nature.

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