De Broglie Wavelength: Velocity & Stationary Matter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the de Broglie wavelength, particularly its dependence on relative velocity and the implications for stationary matter. Participants explore the intersection of quantum mechanics (QM) and special relativity, as well as the interpretation of de Broglie wavelength in the context of probability density functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the de Broglie wavelength varies with the observer's reference frame due to the relativity of velocity.
  • Others argue that even if matter is stationary, it still possesses a random thermal velocity, which complicates the interpretation.
  • One participant suggests that applying special relativity to quantum mechanics implies that the de Broglie wavelength would indeed vary with reference frame.
  • Another participant raises the question of what "stationary" means in this context, indicating the need for a reference frame.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of Dirac's and Klein-Gordon equations in relation to the de Broglie wavelength and the challenges of integrating gravity into quantum field theory (QFT).
  • A participant questions the relationship between de Broglie wavelength and probability density functions, suggesting that they describe different aspects of particle behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between de Broglie wavelength and reference frames, as well as the implications of stationary matter. There is no consensus on these points, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexities introduced by quantum mechanics and special relativity, including unresolved issues related to gravity and the interpretation of probability density functions in quantum contexts.

Harmony
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1. Since velocity is relative to the reference frame, would the de Broglie Wavelength varies from one observer to another?

2. What will happen if the matter is stationary?
 
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These are incomplete answers, but maybe they'll inspire better ones:

1. Sure, but QM and relativity don't tend to sit well together.
2. Nothing, there is still a random thermal velocity.
 
Harmony said:
1. Since velocity is relative to the reference frame, would the de Broglie Wavelength varies from one observer to another?
If one would apply the principles of special relativity onto QM, YES !

2. What will happen if the matter is stationary?
Stationary with respect to what frame ? :wink:

marlon
 
Harmony,
Special relativity has been totally implied into QM (Previosity: Schroedinger)
through Dirac's and KELIN-GORDON, for fermions and bosons respectively.
Of course, Cesium, this was the case before Dirac's. But, there are still two problems in QM and also in QFT; a. can't deal with Gravity and b. didn't contain GR effects ... There are differences as introduced to me by Amr Morsi.
Got you ... Morsi:wink:
Marlon, this is a very good question, especially when Dirac's, or even Schroedinger (non-relativistic of course), can be applied to dynamic non-conservative fields.

Thanks to permit me to add another question: What is the meaning of De Broglie Wavelength in the view of the newer probability concept of Probability Density Function?


Schwartz Vandslire.

-----------------------------------------------
Either to do it correctly as required, or to leave it as required.
 
Truth Finder said:
What is the meaning of De Broglie Wavelength in the view of the newer probability concept of Probability Density Function?
The de broglie wavelength is a property of a single particle (corresponding to a single energy eigenstate) while a density function describes a group of particles (ie the corresponding wavefunction is a superposition (or tensor product like a Fock space) of single particle wavefunctions which in themselves can contain multiple energy eigenstates if they are non stationary and thus exhibit a spread in their momentum or "deBroglie wavefunction"). So, no straightforeward relation, IMO.

marlon
 
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