Are electromagnetic wavelength and quantum wavelength the same thing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between electromagnetic wavelength and quantum wavelength, specifically whether the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave corresponds to the de Broglie wavelength of a photon. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding wave functions and their physical manifestations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave and the de Broglie wavelength of a photon are the same.
  • Others argue that the wavefunction, which is often considered non-physical, has a physical manifestation through electric and magnetic field oscillations, prompting questions about the deeper connections between classical and quantum descriptions.
  • A participant asserts that matter waves do not have electric and magnetic fields, suggesting that electromagnetic waves and matter waves are fundamentally different.
  • Another participant questions the comparison by asking if electromagnetic wavelength and water wavelength are the same, implying skepticism about the equivalence of different types of wavelengths.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether electromagnetic wavelength and quantum wavelength are equivalent, with no consensus reached on the matter.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on interpretations of wavefunctions and their physical implications, which may not be universally agreed upon. The discussion also touches on the distinction between measurable electromagnetic waves and inferred matter waves.

Jehannum
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TL;DR
A simple enough question not to need a summary - I hope
The classical picture of the electromagnetic wave has electric and magnetic field oscillations which give the wavelength of the light. In the quantum picture, is the wavelength of the (de Broglie) wave function of the photon the same thing?
 
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Yes.
 
Is it suprising that something normally taken to be non physical (the wavefunction regarded as a probability amplitude) has a physical manifestation (electric / magnetic field oscillations)? What's the deeper reason behind this? Are there any other instances where classical and quantum are the same in this way?
 
Matter waves have no magnetic and electric fields so no. They are not the same thing as electromagnetic waves.
Matter waves are inferred whereas electromagnetic waves can be and are measured directly.
 
I think you are reading too much into this. Are electromagnetic wavelength and water wavelength the same thing?
 
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