Can a Football Behave Like a Wave at the Same Speed as an Electron?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the de Broglie wave equation, which illustrates that matter, including a football, can exhibit wave-like behavior. While electrons can be observed as waves at certain speeds, a football moving at the same speed does not exhibit the same wave properties due to its larger mass. The de Broglie wavelength is defined by the equation $$\lambda_{dB}=\frac{h}{mv}$$, indicating that as speed increases, wavelength decreases. The conversation emphasizes that while all matter has wavelike properties, observing these requires specific conditions, such as very narrow slits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the de Broglie wave equation
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with wave-particle duality
  • Knowledge of mass-energy equivalence
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the de Broglie wavelength in quantum mechanics
  • Explore experiments demonstrating wave-particle duality, such as the double-slit experiment
  • Study the relationship between mass and wavelength in different materials
  • Learn about advanced quantum theories that expand on de Broglie's concepts
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, educators teaching wave-particle duality, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of matter and wave behavior.

smatik
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i've just learned de broglie wave equation in chemistry which tells that matter can act as wave.
if an electron is moving at a certain speed(v) at which its wavelength is comparably in meters. If a football is made to move at the same speed (v),will it behave as a wave? Since Football also has electrons then why don't individual electrons(in football moving with same velocity v) behave as wave?
 
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Bear in mind:
The deBroglie "matter waves" are a stepping-stone concept useful for teaching but the theory is not complete. As you advance in your studies you will encounter more complete ideas.

It is not so much that "matter can behave as a wave" but that the intuitive distinction between matter and waves is in error. It's like the old saw about the blind men and the elephant - what you "see" depends on how you "look". That should hold you for now ;) I don't want to get too far off the material in your course for fear of confusing you further.

To answer your questions - the football always have wavelike properties. To observe them, though, requires very narrow slits. Every part of the football does this.

The wavelength equation is:$$\lambda_{dB}=\frac{h}{\gamma m_0 v}$$... i.e. as the speed increases, the wavelength decreases. Or, classically, $$\lambda_{dB}=\frac{h}{mv}$$... so: at what speed, v, will the wavelength of an electron be on the scale of meters?
 

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