The difference between Compton and DeBroglie wavelengths?

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SUMMARY

The Compton wavelength and De Broglie wavelength serve distinct purposes in quantum mechanics. The De Broglie wavelength, expressed as λ = h/p, relates to any quantum particle, where h is the Planck constant and p is the particle's momentum. In contrast, the Compton wavelength, defined as λ = h/mc, is a constant relevant to Compton scattering, specifically electron-photon interactions, where m is the electron mass and c is the speed of light. The Compton wavelength also plays a critical role in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) calculations, acting as a physical limit for particles with electromagnetic interactions.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
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  • Knowledge of momentum (p) and mass (m) in physics
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raul_l
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Hi.
As you can see, the question is pretty straightforward. What is the difference between the Compton and the DeBroglie wavelength?

I have looked into Wikipedia and other sites but I'm still somewhat confused.
Thanks.
 
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De Broglie wavelength is associated to any quantum particle through the relation lambda=h/p being p the momentum of the particle and h the Planck constant. Compton wavelength is a constant entering into Compton scattering, that is just electron-photon scattering and is given by h/mc being m the electron mass and c the speed of light. This wavelength is appeared again into QED computations with a meaning of a kind of physical limit for particles with electromagnetic interactions. E.g. when you correct the interaction potential between two charges through the effects of vacuum fluctuactions you find that these corrections are only meaningful for lengths of the order of the Compton wavelength for the given charged particles deviating at these distances with respect to the known Coulambian form.

Jon
 

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