Can Planck's Constant Equation Be Used to Calculate Particle Speed?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the applicability of the equation c=hv, where c represents the speed of light, h is Planck's constant, and v denotes frequency, for calculating the speed of particles such as electrons. Participants clarify that this equation is specifically valid for electromagnetic waves in a vacuum and cannot be directly applied to particles. Instead, the de Broglie relations must be utilized to determine the speed of particles based on their frequency and wavelength. Thus, c cannot be substituted with u (speed of a particle) in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Planck's constant (h) and its role in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the speed of light (c) and its significance in physics
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic wave equations, particularly c=λv
  • Basic comprehension of de Broglie relations for particle-wave duality
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  • Study the de Broglie relations to understand particle behavior at quantum levels
  • Explore the implications of electromagnetic wave equations in different media
  • Investigate the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the limitations of classical equations in quantum physics contexts
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Students of physics, quantum mechanics enthusiasts, and researchers focusing on particle dynamics and wave-particle duality will benefit from this discussion.

fk378
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This is a general question..

For the equation c=hv
where c=speed of light, h=Planck's constant, and v=frequency...

Can u (speed of a particle/electron) be substituted in for c? ie, if given the frequency of an electron and we need to find its speed, can we use this equation (u=hv) or must we get to the answer by using other equations?
 
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fk378 said:
This is a general question..

For the equation c=hv
where c=speed of light, h=Planck's constant, and v=frequency...

Isn't this equation E=hv?
 
Oh sorry, I meant to refer to the equation c=lambda(v)
 
Soooo, what is the question?
 
For c=(lambda)(frequency)
where c=the speed of light, can you replace c with u (speed of a particle)? Say, you're given the frequency and the wavelength of a particle and you need to find its speed, can you use this equation, or must you find it from another equation(s)?
 
fk378 said:
For c=(lambda)(frequency)
where c=the speed of light, can you replace c with u (speed of a particle)? Say, you're given the frequency and the wavelength of a particle and you need to find its speed, can you use this equation, or must you find it from another equation(s)?
No, the equation you have quoted there is called the 'Dispersion relation for EM-waves in a vacuum' and is therefore only valid for EM-waves in a vacuum. You would have to use other equations, namely the de Broglie relations.
 
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