De Broglie Wavelength at rest: λ = h/p = h/0 when v=0?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of the de Broglie wavelength formula, particularly in the context of an object at rest where velocity (v) is zero. Participants explore the conceptual challenges of applying the formula λ = h/p when momentum (p) becomes zero, leading to a divide by zero scenario and the interpretation of infinite wavelengths.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that at rest, with v=0, momentum p=mv becomes zero, leading to an infinite wavelength, questioning the validity of this reasoning.
  • Another participant suggests that the infinite wavelength issue is not problematic, comparing it to the wavelength of DC electromagnetic waves, noting that a particle with zero momentum cannot collide with anything.
  • A different participant points out the mixing of relativistic and non-relativistic concepts, indicating that this approach may not be valid.
  • Another participant recommends using the relativistic version of the de Broglie relation, which avoids the division by zero issue by employing four-momentum and four-wavevector concepts.
  • Some participants propose numerical examples to illustrate the concepts, such as calculating the momentum and velocity of a baseball with a specific wavelength.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the de Broglie wavelength at rest, with some asserting that the infinite wavelength is a valid concern while others argue it is not problematic. There is no consensus on the best approach to reconcile these ideas.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves unresolved mathematical interpretations and the potential confusion between relativistic and non-relativistic frameworks. Participants have not reached a definitive resolution regarding the implications of zero momentum in the context of the de Broglie wavelength.

Kavi
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De Broglie Wavelength is λ = h / p.

So at rest, v=0, and p=mv, so p=0. This means that λ = h/p = h/0 so we run into a divide by 0 issue, or infinite wavelengths for objects at rest.

Is this line of reasoning flawed?

Or can we consider v=1 for rest masses?

Time Dilation is related to v. The faster something moves the slower its internal clock. Lets say at v = c an object experiences no internal time. So its clock we can say it goes to 0.

If v=c, t=1
if v=1, t=c

So we are just using scales from 1->c rather than 0 and infinity. Because time dilates with respect to v, the equation of time and v is of the form t=c/v or vt=c. If v or t become 0 then c would be 0. Hence v and t can only range between 1 and c.

For rest masses we dont see infinite time, if v=0, then time=c/0 = infinite, which is not the case for observed time, so v cannot be 0 at rest.

If c=vt is a constant then time would slow as velocity increases. This is what we observe with time dilation. But forces also cause time dilation, like Gravity. Gravity is a Force, therefore, perhaps Time and Velocity are Forces.

Hence for an object experiencing minimal external Force (Gravity, Movement) it can experience greater rate of Time. We can call this time c, which is the rate of time experienced at the energy level of quantum field fluctuations.

This total rate of Force is c, if the object moves or is under Gravity, the rate of local time decreases accordingly. Reaching a level of no time at velocity c, or for gravity at some threshold, perhaps the event horizon.

The value of v has to be 1 at rest for this to work though. For an object at rest to have velocity =0 would mean its De Broglie wavelength is infinitely long and its time infinitely fast which wouldnt make sense.
 
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Kavi said:
So at rest, v=0, and p=mv, so p=0. This means that λ = h/p = h/0 so we run into a divide by 0 issue, or infinite wavelengths for objects at rest.
That's not a problem. It's only like the wavelength of DC EM waves. Remember, the momentum is zero so your 'particle' can't collide with things.
 
Kavi said:
c=vt is a constant then time would slow as velocity increases.
You are mixing relativistic and non-relativistic equations and concepts. This will not work.
 
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If you want to use relativistic concepts at all, then I would recommend using the relativistic version of the de Broglie relation, which is exceptionally simple: $$P^\mu = \hbar K^\mu$$ where ##P## is the four-momentum ##P^\mu = (E/c,\vec p)## , and ##K## is the four-wavevector ##K^\mu = (\omega/c,\vec k)##.

In a reference frame where a massive particle is at rest then ##\vec p=0## so ##\vec k = 0## which is a perfectly valid wavevector, and there is no division by zero in the de Broglie relation itself.
 
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Additionally, I think you need to put some numbers in. For example:

Given a baseball with a wavelength 1/1000 the radius of the ball, what is its momentum? Its velocity? At that rate, how many microns will it travel in a million years?
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Additionally, I think you need to put some numbers in. For example:

Given a baseball with a wavelength 1/1000 the radius of the ball, what is its momentum? Its velocity? At that rate, how many microns will it travel in a million years?
I get about 4 x 10 -9 microns in a million years.
 

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