Determining Neutron Wavelength with mass alone

This means that the wave function will decay exponentially as you move away from the origin. In summary, the conversation discusses finding the wavelength of a particle in a potential, specifically a neutron with mass m~1000MeV/c^2 in the potential V(z)=mgz for z>0 and infinity for z<0. The suggested solution involves using the equations p=(2m(E-mgz))^1/2 and lambda=h/p, but there are still factors of g and z to be resolved. The conversation then suggests drawing a diagram of the potential and the ground-state wave function to better understand the relationship between wavelength and energy.
  • #1
atomicpedals
209
7

Homework Statement



Consider a particle of mass m in the potential

V(z)=mgz z>0, infinity if z<0

Show that the wavelength of a neutron (m~1000MeV/c^2) is on the order of 10um.

Homework Equations



p=(2m(E-mgz))1/2
[itex]\lambda[/itex]=h/p

The Attempt at a Solution



The most direct solution would seem to simply be

h/(2m(E-mgz))1/2 (with appropriate substitutions)

however, that still leaves the factors of g and z to be resolved... I could take z as 1, but there's still g with a units problem (m/s/s vs MeV and MeV/c^2).

Any suggestions?
 
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  • #2
Try drawing a diagram of the potential and then sketch what the ground-state wave function will look like. That should give you an idea for a relationship between the wavelength and the energy of the neutron.
 
  • #3
So, for z>0 the potential will increase linearly (holding m and g constant).
 

1. How can neutron wavelength be determined using mass alone?

The wavelength of a neutron can be determined using the de Broglie equation, which relates the wavelength of a particle (in this case, a neutron) to its mass and velocity. Since the velocity of a neutron is typically known, its wavelength can be calculated using its mass alone.

2. What is the significance of determining neutron wavelength with mass alone?

Determining neutron wavelength with mass alone is significant because it allows scientists to understand the behavior of neutrons in various environments without the need for complicated experimental setups. It also provides insight into the quantum nature of particles and their relationship to mass and energy.

3. How is the mass of a neutron measured?

The mass of a neutron is typically measured using a mass spectrometer, which uses electromagnetic fields to separate particles based on their mass-to-charge ratio. Another method is using a time-of-flight technique, where the velocity of a neutron is measured and used to calculate its mass.

4. Can neutron wavelength be determined with other factors besides mass?

Yes, in addition to mass, neutron wavelength can also be determined using its energy or momentum. These quantities are all related through the de Broglie equation, so any of them can be used to calculate the wavelength of a neutron.

5. What is the practical application of determining neutron wavelength?

Determining neutron wavelength has many practical applications, including in materials science, nuclear physics, and medical imaging. It can also help in the design and development of nuclear reactors and other technologies that utilize neutron interactions.

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