Mass of object (wave nature of matter)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of an object using its wavelength and speed, specifically within the context of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the de Broglie wavelength formula to find mass, raising questions about the correctness of their arithmetic and significant figures.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in verifying the arithmetic and logic of the original poster's calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for parentheses in the equation and adjustments for significant figures, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the final answer.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of significant figures and a note that one participant feels uncertain due to being out of practice in physics.

quicksilver123
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Homework Statement



An object has a wavelength of 8.4*10^-14 m
and a speed of 1.2*10^6 m/s.
Find the mass.

Homework Equations



p=h/λ

The Attempt at a Solution



p=h/λ
mv=h/λ
m=h/λv

m=(6.63*10^-34)/((1.2*10^5)(8.4*10^-14))
m=6.577380952*10^-26 kg

Is this correct? (other than significant digits)
 
Last edited:
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the arithmetic works out correctly but your m=(6.63*10^-34) / ( (1.2*10^5) * (8.4*10^-14) ) equation
needs some parens in the denominator.

You must adjust m for significant figures to be m=6.58 E -26 kg

Also your logic looks right too, but being out of physics for a long time I'd wait for someone to second my opinion.
 
Last edited:
fixed. as i mentioned in the op i haven't yet adjusted for sig dig
 
quicksilver123 said:
fixed. as i mentioned in the op i haven't yet adjusted for sig dig

okay didnt see it. tunnel vision sometimes.
 
thats cool thanks for checking anyway
 

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