Find the wavelength of the particle

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the wavelength of a particle with mass m and charge e that is accelerated by a potential difference V. The original poster expresses uncertainty about whether the problem pertains to matter waves and references the de Broglie wavelength formula.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the potential difference and the kinetic energy of the particle, with one noting the conversion of energy into kinetic energy. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of acceleration and whether the particle maintains a constant speed after being accelerated.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and questioning the assumptions related to kinetic energy and relativistic effects. Some guidance has been offered regarding energy conversion, but no consensus has been reached on the specifics of the particle's motion.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the relativistic aspects of the problem, as some participants indicate a lack of familiarity with the topic. The original poster also expresses confusion about the necessary equations and the relationship between force and electric field.

fluidistic
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Homework Statement


I'm not even sure the problem is about matterwave:
A particle of mass m and charge e is accelerated by a potential difference V. Find the wavelength of the particle. Show that this result agrees with the classical one when the non relativistic limit is taken.

Homework Equations


Not sure, but I think that [tex]\lambda _B=\frac{h}{mv}[/tex] where m is the relativistic mass, i.e. [tex]m=\gamma m_0[/tex].
Maybe [tex]F=qE[/tex]?

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure how to find the motion equation of the particle and I need its velocity in order to calculate its de Broglie's wavelength. F=qE.
[tex]\Delta V =\int _A^b \vec E d \vec l[/tex]... I don't go anywhere that way.
I've no idea what I'm missing.
 
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The energy produced by the pd is Ve, which is converted into ke of the particle (0.5mv2).
 


rock.freak667 said:
The energy produced by the pd is Ve, which is converted into ke of the particle (0.5mv2).

Thank you. Ah, very similar to an exercise I started 2 days ago and you helped me...
However isn't the kinetic energy worth [tex]c^2 (m-m_0)[/tex]? Furthermore that would give a constant kinetic energy while they state "accelerated". Do they mean accelerated up to a speed v and then the particle maintains this speed constantly?!
 


fluidistic said:
Do they mean accelerated up to a speed v and then the particle maintains this speed constantly?!

I believe that is what it meant. I am not sure about the relativistic aspect though (never learned about it in depth).
 


rock.freak667 said:
I believe that is what it meant. I am not sure about the relativistic aspect though (never learned about it in depth).

Thank you for all your help.
 

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