How Does the DeBroglie Wavelength of an Electron Compare to Familiar Objects?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the deBroglie wavelength of an electron traveling at a specified velocity and its comparison to familiar dimensions. The subject area includes quantum mechanics and wave-particle duality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster calculates the deBroglie wavelength of an electron and seeks assistance in understanding its significance in relation to familiar sizes. Participants question the existence of structures comparable to the calculated wavelength and discuss the relevance of the Ångström unit.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the calculated wavelength and sharing insights about relevant units of measurement. There is no explicit consensus on familiar structures that match the wavelength, but the conversation is generating useful questions and clarifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenge of relating a quantum-scale measurement to macroscopic objects, indicating a potential gap in understanding or available examples.

pdhakal
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a. Find the deBroglie wavelength of an electron traveling at 2*10^6 m/sec.
b. Does this length come close to any familiar dimensions? Explain

For part a. I did
lambda=h/(mv)
=(6.626*10^-34 J sec)/(9.11*10^-31 kg*2*10^6 m/sec)
= 3.64*10^-10 meters

I have the first one but I did not understand the second part.
Could someone please help me with this?
Thanks
 
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Do you know some structure with a size of roughly 3.64*10^(-10) meters?
10^(-10)m even has a special name due to its importance.
 
I don't have any idea about the structure roughly to taht size but I know 10^-10 is 1 Armstrong
 
And where is that unit used?
(did you really need help to get that question?)
 
pdhakal said:
I don't have any idea about the structure roughly to taht size but I know 10^-10 is 1 Armstrong

Ångström
 
Had it been Armstrong, it must have been full of drugs, so much greater than 10-10m.
 

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