Simple De Broglie Wavelength Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the de Broglie wavelength of a proton with a kinetic energy of 10 eV using the correct formula. The user initially struggles with the application of the de Broglie wavelength formula and the calculation of momentum (pc). They mistakenly equate 0.511 MeV to 511 eV, which leads to confusion in their calculations. The correct approach involves using the mass-energy equivalence and kinetic energy to derive the momentum accurately. Ultimately, the user realizes their error in unit conversion, which affects the final wavelength calculation.
vsage
I have the formula for the de Broglie wavelength but for some reason I'm not using it properly. Here's the question:

What is the De Broglie wavelength (in nm) of a proton with a kinetic energy of 10 eV? (Take the mass of a proton to be 938 MeV/c2.)

\lambda = \frac{hc}{pc}

hc = 1239.8 nm*eV
pc = \sqrt{{KE}^2 + 2KEm_0c^2} which should be around 101.5 eV, so the answer would be 12.2nm which is wrong! What did I do wrong? It should have been a simple plug and chug problem after deriving pc in terms of KE and the rest mass.
 
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Nevermind! Apparently in my crazy mind 0.511MeV = 511eV
 
What would you need that number?

Daniel.
 
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