Resolving Tiny Structures: De-Broglie-Relation & Relativity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the de-Broglie relation and its incorporation of relativistic effects when analyzing atomic structures around 0.1 nanometers. The user questions whether the momentum calculation should include a Lorentz factor (gamma) due to relativistic speeds. It is concluded that the de-Broglie relation, represented as p = ħk, inherently accounts for relativistic effects when using four-vectors, thus eliminating the need for additional gamma factors in the momentum equation.

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  • Understanding of the de-Broglie relation and its implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Familiarity with relativistic physics and the concept of Lorentz transformations.
  • Knowledge of four-vectors and their application in relativistic momentum.
  • Basic grasp of atomic structure and measurements at the nanometer scale.
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  • Study the derivation and applications of the relativistic de-Broglie relation.
  • Learn about four-vectors and their role in relativistic physics.
  • Explore the implications of Lorentz transformations on particle momentum.
  • Investigate experimental techniques for measuring atomic structures at the nanometer scale.
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the intersection of quantum theory and relativity, particularly in the context of atomic structure analysis.

Anton Alice
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Hello,

I was wondering, if the de-Broglie-relation for particle waves already includes relativistic effects?

Suppose I want to resolve an atomic structure of about, say, 0.1 nanometers. For an attempt using particle waves I would need a certain momentum p=h/0.1nm, at least.
Now comes the question: The particle wave sees the contracted version of the atomic structure. Doesnt this mean that I have to include a gamma into the nominator? p would then be gamma*m*v, and then the gammas would cancel, leading to: mv=h/0.1nm, whereby mv stands for the classical momentum. Something is wrong here...

EDIT:
I think my problem is, that I mixed up different reference frames. I have to stay in one reference frame, which I chose to be the the one of the observer. The observer observes an atomic structure of 0.1nm, and observes a particle with speed v (and corresponding p). These two observations have to fit together, i.e. the de-Broglie-relation needs to be fulfilled. And if it is fulfilled in one reference frame, then also in any other. Like saying, if barack obama has been elected in one reference frame, then also he is or will be in any other.
Can you elaborate on this?
 
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Anton Alice said:
Like saying, if barack obama has been elected in one reference frame, then also he is or will be in any other.
Can you elaborate on this?

That's pretty much it.
 
Anton Alice said:
I was wondering, if the de-Broglie-relation for particle waves already includes relativistic effects?
Are you familiar with four-vectors? The relativistic de Broglie relationship is simply ##p=\hbar k## where p is the four momentum and k is the four-wavevector.
 

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