De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball

In summary, the de Broglie wavelength of a moving tennis ball is 1x10^-33, indicating that it does not display wave properties. The explanation for this is that the momentum of the tennis ball is too low for it to exhibit wave behavior. Additionally, the mass of a tennis ball is approximately 58 grams, making it nowhere near the speed of light. This helps to understand why the tennis ball does not behave as a wave.
  • #1
Davidmb19
21
0
This is a multiple choice question.
The de Broglie wavelength of a moving tennis ball is calculated as 1x10^-33. This means that the moving tennis ball
A)Diffracts through a narrow slit.
B)Does not behave as a particle
C)Does not display wave properties
D)Is traveling at the speed of light

The answer is C and I know this through the process of elimination however, I do not conceptually understand why it is. Can someone please explain?
 
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  • #2
What's the momentum?
 
  • #3
Wavelength= Plank's constant/Momentum
Therefore rearranging the equation
(6.63x10^-34)/(1x10^-33)=0.663
 
  • #4
... and, the mass of a tennis ball?
 
  • #5
lol We don't know the mass. This is a multiple choice but the mass of a tennis ball, in general, is about 58 grams.
 
  • #6
With that mass is it anywhere near light speed?
 
  • #7
Ahhhh I see! I didn't think of that. Thank you :).
 
  • #8
Good --- that take care of things for you?
 
  • #9
Yep. Thanks :D
 

1. What is the De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball?

The De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball is a measure of the wavelength associated with the motion of a tennis ball. It is defined by the equation λ = h/mv, where h is Planck's constant, m is the mass of the tennis ball, and v is the velocity of the ball.

2. How is the De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball related to its speed?

The De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball is inversely proportional to its speed. This means that as the speed of the ball increases, its wavelength decreases.

3. Can the De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball be observed in real life?

Yes, the De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball can be observed in real life using advanced scientific equipment such as electron microscopes. However, for a tennis ball traveling at typical speeds, the wavelength is extremely small and cannot be observed with the naked eye.

4. How does the De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball compare to other objects?

The De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball is much smaller than that of larger objects like humans and cars, but larger than that of subatomic particles like electrons. This is because the wavelength is inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

5. Why is the De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball important in quantum mechanics?

The De Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball is important in quantum mechanics because it demonstrates the wave-particle duality of matter. It shows that even macroscopic objects like a tennis ball can exhibit wave-like behavior, which is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics.

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