De Broglie wavelength of an ant

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the de Broglie wavelength of an ant with a mass of 1.80×10-6 kg as it passes through a hole with a diameter of 5.00 mm. Participants agree that the wavelength should be approximately equal to the diameter of the hole for the ant to exhibit wave behavior. The speed of the ant can subsequently be calculated using de Broglie's formula once the wavelength is established. The amplitude of the wave is clarified as not directly influencing diffraction effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of de Broglie wavelength
  • Basic knowledge of wave behavior and diffraction
  • Familiarity with mass and speed calculations
  • Concept of amplitude in wave mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the de Broglie wavelength for various masses using the formula λ = h/mv
  • Explore the relationship between wavelength and diffraction patterns
  • Investigate wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the effects of amplitude on wave propagation
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Students of physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in wave-particle duality and diffraction phenomena.

DunceMoin
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An ant of mass m = 1.80×10−6 kg goes through a hole of diameter D = 5.00 mm in a window screen which has thickness L = 0.600 mm.

(a) What should be the approximate wavelength and speed of the ant for it to show wave behavior as it goes through the hole?

I am not sure what should the approximate wavelength be. Should it be of the order of the diameter of hole? If not, what's the concept involved? Also, once we have wavelength, the speed should be very simple to calculate from de Broglie's formula.
 
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Hello and welcome to PF!

I think you have the right idea: the wavelength should be of the order of the diameter of the hole.
 
TSny said:
wavelength should be of the order of the diameter of the hole
Shouldn't amplitude be of the order of the radius? just asking.
 
Suraj M said:
Shouldn't amplitude be of the order of the radius? just asking.
I don't believe so. The amplitude of a wave does not have a direct effect on the amount of diffraction.
 

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