De Broglie Wavelength Thought Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thought experiment involving the de Broglie wavelength of an Ewok with a specified mass and velocity. Participants are tasked with exploring the implications of the wavelength in a hypothetical scenario where Planck's constant is set to an unconventional value.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the de Broglie wavelength using the provided mass and velocity, while questioning the validity of the chosen value for Planck's constant. There are considerations about the implications of the Ewok running and whether the velocity is constant.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on the implications of changing velocity on the wavelength. There is recognition of the hypothetical nature of the problem, and multiple interpretations of the scenario are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the scenario is a thought experiment designed to provoke discussion rather than a strict application of physical laws. There is a mention of coursework related to the problem, indicating that it may have been part of a larger educational context.

FaraDazed
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Homework Statement


A) Find the wavelength of an Ewok that has a mass of 50kg and is Running on Edor where 'h' id 1000Js at a velocity of 0.5m/s

Yes the value of h to be used is 1000.

B) What would the implications of him running be?

Homework Equations


[itex]\lambda=\frac{h}{p}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Part A: [itex]\lambda=\frac{h}{p} \\<br /> \lambda=\frac{1000}{50 \times 0.5}=40m[/itex]

For part B: I wasn't quite sure to be honest, but surely with such a large wavelength and running, he would be "interfering" with himself quite badly ?
 
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I don't know where you got the value for Planck's constant but it is not correct. The accepted value is 6.62606957 × 10−34 joule∙second. Use 6.626x10-34 and your calculated DeB λ will be much smaller.
 
daqddyo1 said:
I don't know where you got the value for Planck's constant but it is not correct. The accepted value is 6.62606957 × 10−34 joule∙second. Use 6.626x10-34 and your calculated DeB λ will be much smaller.

This was a thought experiment, the value to be be used for the question is 1000Js. Its an imaginary scenario. A made up example by our lecturer to get us to think what would the implications be.
 
FaraDazed said:
For part B: I wasn't quite sure to be honest, but surely with such a large wavelength and running, he would be "interfering" with himself quite badly ?
Does anything happen to the de Broglie wavelength when he starts running?
 
DrClaude said:
Does anything happen to the de Broglie wavelength when he starts running?

Ah, yeah. The perticular bit of coursework which had this question on has already been handed in but wanted to know if I got it correct or not, plus its interesting to think about.

I assumed they meant constant velocity, but now thinking about it for part B it probably makes sense to assume he is not running at a constant velocity. But yes, if he speeds up then v will get bigger and the wavelength would therefore get shorter and the other way around if he slowed down.
 
FaraDazed said:
I assumed they meant constant velocity
I wouldn't consider 0.5 m/s running, even for an Ewok :wink:
 
DrClaude said:
I wouldn't consider 0.5 m/s running, even for an Ewok :wink:

True, I didn't think of that. They are much smaller though :p
 

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