Fundimental frequency of subatomic particles.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the fundamental frequency of subatomic particles, specifically protons, neutrons, and electrons, at their lowest energy levels. Participants explore the relationship between mass, energy, and frequency, as well as the implications of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Jason O, inquires about the frequency of protons, neutrons, and electrons at their lowest energy levels, specifically in the context of copper.
  • Another participant provides the equation E = hν = m₀c², suggesting a relationship between energy and frequency.
  • Jason O expresses confusion about how to derive frequency from the provided equations, indicating a lack of clarity on the concepts involved.
  • A participant clarifies that ν represents frequency and notes that if the object is at rest, there is no velocity to consider.
  • One participant challenges the notion of associating a frequency with mass, arguing that while there is a mathematical relationship, it does not imply that such properties exist simultaneously in a physical sense.
  • Another participant reflects on the wavelike properties of electrons, suggesting that their discrete energy levels could imply a fundamental frequency, while also questioning their perspective on the matter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of frequency in relation to mass and energy. There is no consensus on whether a fundamental frequency can be attributed to subatomic particles in the manner discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in understanding the relationship between mass, energy, and frequency, as well as the implications of wave-particle duality. The discussion remains open-ended with unresolved questions regarding the nature of frequency in this context.

Jdo300
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Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what the frequency of a proton, neutron, and electron are at their lowest possible energy level? I'm guessing this is a loaded question but any assistance would be appreciated. If a specific material is required to figure this out, I'm wondering what it is for copper?

Thanks,
Jason O
 
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It's not a loaded question at all!

[itex]E = h \nu = m\sub_0 c^2[/itex]
 
Last edited:
Thanks plxmny,

So how do I get the frequency using those equations? (I'm probably missing something obvious here). I see that I can get the energy, velocity or mass so far given what you've shown me.

Thanks,
Jason O
 
Last edited:
No - [tex]\nu[/tex] is frequency. You said the object was at rest so there is no velocity.
 
Ohhhh ok. Sorry, got confused by the V.
 
But are you sure that this is what you are after? Just because there is a mathematical relations between something, doesn't mean that such properties exist simultaneously.

If I take a mass m, and it gets converted directly into EM radiation by some process, then that EM radiation will have a frequency given in that relation. However, to say that this is the "frequency" of that mass is as erroneous as saying that all matter is nothing more than EM radiation (there's at least one very long thread on why this is wrong someone in here). I tend to think that the frequency of something is the rate that that something is oscillating. Yet, this is not what is implied in that equation, but rather the EM energy content after a "conversion".

Zz.
 
Hi, I'm thinking about the electron as having wavelike properties they are described with wave equations in the quantum world. So I was thinking that if the electron has wavelike properties (it is not a discrete ball of ‘stuff’ in space), that it should have a fundamental frequency, especially since the electron can only take on discrete energy levels which makes me think of harmonics of some fundimental...

I also am reminded that electrons can be created from high frequency radiation which seems to imply to me that they vibrate to maintain their form.

Perhaps I am looking at this from the wrong perspective.
 

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