Wavelength of bullet and proton, same momentum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem comparing the wavelengths of a bullet and a proton that possess the same momentum, specifically through the lens of de Broglie wavelength concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between momentum and wavelength as described by de Broglie's equation, with one participant attempting to clarify the implications of constant momentum on wavelength.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to understand the application of de Broglie's wavelength formula. However, there appears to be a lack of consensus on the interpretation of the results, as one participant suggests both objects have the same wavelength without further exploration of the implications.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster feels lost and is seeking a deeper understanding of the derivation behind the concepts discussed, suggesting a potential gap in foundational knowledge or assumptions made in the problem.

Cataklyzm
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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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Tell me what you know about the de Broglie wavelength.
 
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.
 
Cataklyzm said:
So they both have the same wavelength.
Thanks.
Glad to be of service :smile:
 

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