Wavelength of bullet and proton, same momentum

In summary, the relationship between the wavelength of a bullet and a proton with the same momentum is that they are inversely proportional. The wavelengths of a bullet and a proton are directly proportional to their masses, and it is possible for them to have the same wavelength but different momenta. The speed of a bullet or proton does not affect their wavelengths, and their wavelengths are much smaller compared to that of light.
  • #1
Cataklyzm
9
0
Hi.

There's this question that was posed.
And I'm totally lost.:redface: If my professor explained how it's all derived it would've been useful.
Here we are:

A bullet and a proton have the same momentum. Which has the longer wavelength?

Any help?
Thanks,
Cataklyzm
 
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  • #2
Tell me what you know about the de Broglie wavelength.
 
  • #3
Ahh.. de Broglie's.. wavelength = h / momentum..
Because h is Planck's constant.. and momentum is constant in this example.
wavelength is constant.. So they both have the same wavelength.

Thanks.
 
  • #4
Cataklyzm said:
So they both have the same wavelength.
Thanks.
Glad to be of service :smile:
 

1. What is the relationship between the wavelength of a bullet and a proton with the same momentum?

The wavelength of a bullet and a proton with the same momentum is inversely proportional. This means that as the momentum increases, the wavelength decreases.

2. How are the wavelengths of a bullet and a proton related to their masses?

The wavelengths of a bullet and a proton are directly proportional to their masses. This means that as the mass increases, the wavelength also increases.

3. Can a bullet and a proton have the same wavelength and different momenta?

Yes, it is possible for a bullet and a proton to have the same wavelength but different momenta. This is because the wavelength is also dependent on the mass of the particle, not just its momentum.

4. Does the speed of a bullet or proton affect their wavelengths?

No, the speed of a bullet or proton does not affect their wavelengths. The wavelength is determined by the mass and momentum of the particle, not its speed.

5. How does the wavelength of a bullet or proton compare to that of light?

The wavelength of a bullet or proton is much smaller than that of light. This is because the mass of these particles is much greater than that of a photon of light, resulting in a shorter wavelength at the same momentum.

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