Freqeuncy of Matter Waves Approaches Infinity as Velocity Approaches c

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    Matter Velocity Wave
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the phase velocity of matter waves and their frequency as velocity approaches the speed of light (c). It is established that the phase velocity can be expressed as c²/v, leading to the conclusion that as momentum increases and velocity approaches c, the wavelength of matter waves approaches zero, resulting in an infinite frequency. This relationship is supported by the equation hf = ymc², where h is Planck's constant, y is the Lorentz factor, and m is the rest mass. The implications of time dilation for observers moving relative to events are also considered.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phase velocity in wave mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concept of momentum in physics
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz factor (gamma) in special relativity
  • Basic comprehension of quantum mechanics, specifically the relationship between energy and frequency (E = hf)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Lorentz factor on time dilation in special relativity
  • Explore De Broglie's hypothesis on matter waves and their significance in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of phase velocity and its physical interpretations
  • Review the historical context and impact of De Broglie's 1924 paper on modern physics
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Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the intersection of wave-particle duality and special relativity.

hisgutsaysmaybe
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TL;DR
If phase velocity = fλ, and as group velocity -> c, λ -> 0 but phase velocity -> c, then does this mean that f -> infinity as group velocity -> c?
I have heard that the phase velocity of matter waves can be represented as c^2/v. But if the wavelength of these matter waves goes to zero as momentum approaches infinity and v approaches c, then does this mean that the frequency of the matter waves approaches infinity, to give the matter wave a finite and nonzero speed?
In a way this might make sense, because E = ymc^2, so hf = ymc^2. However, the time of an event dilates for an observer which is moving with respect to the event, also by a factor of gamma. I had believed that these two phenomena might combine to appear to give the matter wave a constant frequency, regardless of the velocity of the observer.
 
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hisgutsaysmaybe said:
I have heard
Where? Please give a reference.
 
From De Broglie's 1924 paper, page 10 (445 of the journal):
1714455680817.png

Taken from this PDF version: https://www.pwein.at/physics/Lectures/Famous-Papers/Phil-Mag-47-446-1924.pdf

I learned in school that the phase velocity was c^2/v, and I have taken it as fact without trying to understand why yet.
 

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