- #1
Misr
- 384
- 0
Hi,
Why are mass and wavelength are inversely proportional?
Why are mass and wavelength are inversely proportional?
Relation between mass and wavelength
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter Misr
- Start date
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- Tags
- Mass Relation Wavelength
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the relationship between mass and wavelength, specifically exploring the concept of inverse proportionality in the context of de Broglie's matter waves. Participants engage with both theoretical and conceptual aspects of this relationship.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions why mass and wavelength are inversely proportional.
- Another participant suggests that the discussion relates to de Broglie's matter waves and mentions that interference effects are observable with electron beams but not with larger objects like marbles.
- A participant rephrases their question to ask how mass and wavelength are inversely proportional.
- A formula for wavelength is provided: \(\lambda = \frac{h}{p}\).
- There is a request for clarification on the variables "h" and "p" in the formula.
- A participant explains that "h" is a fundamental constant and "p" represents the momentum of a particle, defined in terms of mass and velocity, incorporating relativistic effects.
- Another participant expresses gratitude for the clarification received.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus on the initial question regarding the inverse proportionality of mass and wavelength, as participants are exploring and clarifying concepts rather than agreeing on a definitive answer.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved aspects regarding the definitions of terms and the implications of the formula provided, particularly in the context of different mass scales and velocities.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to those studying quantum mechanics, particularly in understanding the wave-particle duality and the implications of mass on wavelength.
- #2
Dr Lots-o'watts
- 645
- 0
Are you referring to de Broglie's matter waves?
As Hawking said, physics' job is to ask how.
It's philosophy's business to ask why.
But briefly, interference effects can be observed with electron beams, but not with marbles, and the shorter the wavelength of anything, the more it acts like a particle.
As Hawking said, physics' job is to ask how.
It's philosophy's business to ask why.
But briefly, interference effects can be observed with electron beams, but not with marbles, and the shorter the wavelength of anything, the more it acts like a particle.
- #3
Misr
- 384
- 0
ok I change my question .."how are mass and wavelength are inversely proportional? "
- #4
diazona
Homework Helper
- 2,176
- 8
[tex]\lambda = \frac{h}{p}[/tex] 
- #5
Misr
- 384
- 0
Looks very helpful but what is "h" and what is "p" ?
- #6
Dickfore
- 2,987
- 5
h is a fundamental constant of nature and
[tex] p = \frac{m \, v}{\sqrt{1 - v^{2}/c^{2}}}[/tex]
is the momentum of a particle with mass m moving at speed v and c is the limit speed with which any interaction can be transmitted and is another fundamental constant of nature.
[tex] p = \frac{m \, v}{\sqrt{1 - v^{2}/c^{2}}}[/tex]
is the momentum of a particle with mass m moving at speed v and c is the limit speed with which any interaction can be transmitted and is another fundamental constant of nature.
- #7
Misr
- 384
- 0
oh ok got it Thanks very much
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