What Is Johnny's De Broglie Wavelength Just Before Splashing?

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SUMMARY

Johnny Jumper's de Broglie wavelength just before splashing into the pool can be calculated using the formula λ = h / (mv). The correct velocity at impact is determined using the equation v² = 2gs, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²) and s is the height (56.0 m). This results in a velocity of approximately 33.3 m/s. Substituting this velocity into the de Broglie wavelength formula with mass m = 70 kg and Planck's constant h = 6.63e-34 J·s yields a wavelength of approximately 1.42e-34 m.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, specifically free fall and gravitational acceleration.
  • Familiarity with the concept of de Broglie wavelength in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy calculations and their relation to velocity.
  • Basic proficiency in algebra for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the de Broglie wavelength in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the relationship between kinetic energy and velocity in physics.
  • Explore the effects of gravitational acceleration on falling objects.
  • Investigate the role of Planck's constant in quantum physics applications.
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Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics and quantum mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of de Broglie wavelength calculations.

SamTsui86
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Homework Statement



Johnny Jumper's favorite trick is to step out of his high-rise window and fall 56.0 m into a pool. A news reporter takes a picture of 70.0 kg Johnny just before he makes a splash, using an exposure time of 7.00 ms. Find the following.

(a) Johnny's de Broglie wavelength at this moment

Homework Equations



wavelength = h / (mv) v = x/t

The Attempt at a Solution



so I know figured out v which is just 56 m / .007 s = 8000 m/s
I know m = 70 kg
I plug it into the equation wavelength = (6.63e-34) / ((8000)(70)))

I got 1.18e-39 m. It saids I am wrong, please help
 
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I'm slightly confused by your first step in which you divide the 56 meter height of the building by the camera's shutter speed to come at 8 thousand meters per second.

If you are trying to calculate his speed at impact, this is not the right way to do it.
 
You can calculate his speed but using: [tex]v^2=2gs, (u^2=0[/tex] in this case). You can use [tex]\lambda=\frac{h}{\sqrt{2mT}}[/tex] where T is the kinetic energy of the man at that point.

The virtue of using [tex]v^2[/tex] for this equation is that you can use it directly to calculate the kinetic energy. I think that's it, though I don't know how the shutter speed plays in. The man is accelerating with 'g' at that point if it helps though.
 

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