Energy, time and length corresponding to mass of electron.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on estimating the energy, time, and length corresponding to the mass of an electron, which is calculated to be 0.511 MeV using E=mc^2. Length is derived using the equation involving hbar, resulting in 386 fm, while time is calculated as 1.288E-21 s. A participant questions the use of hbar for the length calculation, suggesting that the full Planck constant might be more appropriate. The conversation highlights the importance of conventions in quantum mechanics, particularly regarding the choice between hbar and the full Planck constant. Overall, the calculations prompt a discussion on the validity of the methods used and the conventions in quantum electrodynamics.
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Hey,
I am starting to learn the basics of QED and I am trying to get acquainted with the units and scales that are used.

Homework Equations


The exercise is to estimate the energy, time and length that correspond to the mass of an electron.

The Attempt at a Solution



That’s what I did:
The mass of an electron is 9.11E-31 kg.

Energy:
E=mc^2 gives me an energy of 0.511MeV.

Length:
Here I used the equation: c * hbar = 197 MeV * fm
-> 386fm = c * hbar / (0.511MeV)
-> In natural units: 386fm = 1 / (0.511MeV)

Time:
Here I used the equation: hbar = 6.58E-22 MeV * s
-> 1.288E-21 s = hbar / (0.511MeV)
-> In natural units: 1.288E-21 s = 1 / (0.511MeV)


Is this calculation correct? Is that the way one can calculate the length and time corresponding to a mass?
Thanks
 
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Makes sense, but I'd take a look at the equation you used to find the length. Do you really want to be using the reduced Planck constant (hbar) there, or simply the Planck constant (2*pi*hbar)? You can look up the de Broglie wavelength of an electron, and you'll see your value is a bit small.
 
That depends on the convention, right? For instance, in Peskin, the convention is to use hbar as the base unit (of action). I don't recall seeing anyone use just plane h as the base unit, but it is just a convention.
 
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