De-Broglie Wavelength of a captured electron?

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    Electron Wavelength
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the de-Broglie wavelength of an electron that is captured by a proton to form a neutron and a neutrino. Participants explore the energy requirements for the electron and the implications for calculating its de-Broglie wavelength, touching on concepts of conservation of energy and kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method to find the de-Broglie wavelength of an electron given minimal information about its energy.
  • Several participants suggest calculating the electron's energy, momentum, and subsequently its de-Broglie wavelength as a potential approach.
  • There is a mention of conservation of energy and basic kinematic equations as tools to find the wavelength.
  • Hints are provided regarding the conditions under which a neutron and neutrino would have the smallest possible energy, although the specifics are not detailed.
  • Another participant expresses curiosity about the conditions necessary for the reaction \( e + p \rightarrow n + \nu_e \) to occur.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific calculations or methods to find the de-Broglie wavelength, and multiple viewpoints regarding the approach and underlying physics remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the electron's energy and the definitions of terms used, which are not fully explored or resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying particle physics, quantum mechanics, or anyone curious about the interactions between subatomic particles and their wave properties.

Sritika
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For a proton to capture an electron to form a neutron and a neutrino (assumed massless), the
electron must have some minimum energy. For such an electron,how can the de-Broglie wavelength be found out?
 
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Calculate the electron energy, calculate its momentum, calculate its de Broglie wavelength.

Is this a homework question?
 
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mfb said:
Calculate the electron energy, calculate its momentum, calculate its de Broglie wavelength.

Is this a homework question?
Nope.I just came across this question.It kind of intrigued me.With such a minimal information,how can you find out the wavelength?
 
Sritika said:
With such a minimal information,how can you find out the wavelength?
With the steps I described.
Conservation of energy and a few basic kinematic equations.
 
Hint: under what circumstances does a neutron + neutrino have the smallest possible energy?

(to a very good approximation, at least)
 
jtbell said:
Hint: under what circumstances does a neutron + neutrino have the smallest possible energy?

(to a very good approximation, at least)
Please the answer?
 
Sritika said:
Please the answer?

When is this e p \rightarrow n \nu_e possible?
 

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