"Seeing" particles with De Broglie visible wavelengths

In summary, if an electron is fired with the same De Broglie wavelength as blue light and were to reach your eye, it would most likely be stopped by your cornea and may potentially activate color receptors or have no effect at all. Astronauts in space have reported seeing flashes of light, but it is not described as being colorful.
  • #1
andrewpareles
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0
Say an electron is fired with the same De Broglie wavelength as blue light.

If the electron were to reach your eye, would you see blue, or would something else happen?
 
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  • #2
The electron would most likely be stopped by your cornea, as it is traveling relatively slowly, only about 1600 m/s by my calculations. Even if it did reach your cornea, your eyes are not designed to detect electrons or filter them by wavelength, so it could potentially activate any of your color receptors or do nothing at all. Astronauts in space have said that they occasionally see flashes of light even with their eyes closed as a result of charged particles passing through their bodies and interacting with their eyes. I assume they mean white light, as it wasn't described as being colorful.
 

1. How is it possible to see particles with De Broglie visible wavelengths?

The De Broglie wavelength is a property of all matter, including particles. When particles are moving, they also have a wavelength associated with them. By using specialized equipment, it is possible to detect and measure this wavelength, allowing us to "see" the particles.

2. What is the significance of using De Broglie visible wavelengths to see particles?

Using De Broglie visible wavelengths allows us to observe particles in a more direct way, as opposed to relying on indirect methods such as scattering or interaction with other particles. This can provide valuable insights into the behavior and properties of particles.

3. Are there any limitations to using De Broglie visible wavelengths to see particles?

Yes, there are limitations. The De Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the momentum of the particle, so it is only applicable to particles with relatively low momentum. Additionally, the equipment used to detect these wavelengths may have its own limitations.

4. How does the De Broglie wavelength of a particle change when it is in motion?

The De Broglie wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to its momentum, so as the particle's momentum increases, its wavelength decreases. This means that particles with higher velocities will have shorter De Broglie wavelengths, making them more difficult to observe with visible light.

5. Can De Broglie visible wavelengths be used to see all types of particles?

No, De Broglie visible wavelengths are only applicable to particles with rest mass. Photons, which are particles of light, do not have rest mass and therefore cannot be observed using this method.

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