Calculating Electron Energy, Momentum, Wavelength

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy, momentum, and wavelength of electrons, comparing these properties to those of photons. Participants explore the implications of using photon equations for electrons, particularly in the context of relativistic and non-relativistic speeds.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question whether the energy of an electron can be calculated using the photon energy equation. They discuss the differences in energy calculations at varying kinetic energies and the implications of rest mass on these calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the applicability of photon equations to electrons, emphasizing the role of rest mass. There is an exploration of the relationship between kinetic energy and total energy for massive particles, with references to relevant equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the differences in calculations for high and low kinetic energies of electrons, raising questions about the assumptions made in using specific equations. The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the application of relativistic principles.

Psi-String
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Photon's energy [tex]E=\frac{hc}{\lambda}[/tex]

and photon's momentum [tex]p =\frac{E}{c} = \frac{h}{\lambda}[/tex]

The textbook say electron's momentum is [tex]p=\frac{h}{\lambda}[/tex]

I wonder that can the electron's energy be calculated by

[tex]E=\frac{hc}{\lambda}[/tex] ?

If it can, what kinds of energy does E involve? It's not only kinetic energy.
But it's interesting that when the electron has a high kinetic energy, say, 1 GeV, I can calculate it's wavelength by

[tex]\lambda = \frac{hc}{K}[/tex]
though the answer is very very very little different from that calculated by another way:

By [tex](pc)^2 = K^2 + 2Kmc^2[/tex] we know [tex]p[/tex]
then substitude this p into [tex]\lambda =\frac{h}{p}[/tex]

What reason cause this difference?

And when the electron's kinetic energy is low, say, 1eV, I got his wavelength by:

[tex]p= \sqrt{2mK}[/tex] and substitude this p into [tex]\lambda =\frac{h}{p}[/tex]

which answer is very different from the answer calculated by[tex]\lambda = \frac{hc}{K}[/tex] Why?? Is it because when electron has very fast speed, kinetic energy takes most of the part of its total enertgy?


(It's a big mess, if someone can't understand what I'm trying to express, please tell me)
Thanks in advance
 
Last edited:
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Psi-String said:
Photon's energy [tex]E=\frac{hc}{\lambda}[/tex]

and photon's momentum [tex]p =\frac{E}{c} = \frac{h}{\lambda}[/tex]

The textbook say electron's momentum is [tex]p=\frac{h}{\lambda}[/tex]

I wonder that can the electron's energy be calculated by

[tex]E=\frac{hc}{\lambda}[/tex] ?
No.

The electron has rest mass, the photon does not.

The electron's velocity (speed) is dependent on it's energy, the photons speed is always c, and is completely independent of it's energy.

The total energy of a particle involves kinetic energy and rest energy. Perhaps it is worthwhile plotting total energy, kinetic energy and rest energy to compare their relative values.
 
[added] Argh, Astronuc slipped in ahead of me! That's what I get for going out for a cup of coffee while I was typing this.

Psi-String said:
I wonder that can the electron's energy be calculated by

[tex]E=\frac{hc}{\lambda}[/tex]

No, that equation works only for photons and other massless particles. In general, you have to use

[tex]E=\sqrt{\left(\frac{hc}{\lambda}\right)^2 + (mc^2)^2}[/tex]

See what happens when m = 0?

This equation comes from [itex]E = \sqrt{(pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2}[/itex] upon substituting [itex]p = h / \lambda[/itex].

If it can, what kinds of energy does E involve? It's not only kinetic energy.

For a particle with mass, E includes kinetic energy and "rest energy" (the energy associated with the particle's mass).

[tex]E = K + E_0 = K + mc^2[/tex]

So the relationship between p and K is

[tex]pc = \sqrt{E^2 - (mc^2)^2}[/tex]

[tex]pc = \sqrt{(K + mc^2)^2 - (mc^2)^2}[/tex]

[tex]pc = \sqrt{K^2 - 2Kmc^2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
I got it. THANKS guys!
 

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