What is the de Broglie wavelength of a falling neutron in a vacuum?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron that has fallen a distance of 0.60 in a vacuum chamber, starting from rest. The problem involves concepts from mechanics and quantum physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between kinetic energy and velocity, questioning how to derive velocity from the distance fallen. There are discussions about the importance of units and the implications of free fall on acceleration. Some participants suggest using energy considerations to relate potential energy to kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their attempts to calculate velocity and the de Broglie wavelength. There is a recognition of the need to clarify units and values used in calculations. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of energy principles, but no consensus has been reached on the final calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of specifying the units for the distance fallen and the potential confusion surrounding the value of Planck's constant used in calculations.

DRC12
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Homework Statement


What is the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron that has fallen 0.60 in a vacuum chamber, starting from rest?

Homework Equations


Not entirely sure
λ=h/mv

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't figure out what the velocity is, I think it would have to do with the change in kinetic energy but I can't figure out what that would be
 
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DRC12 said:

Homework Statement


What is the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron that has fallen 0.60 in a vacuum chamber, starting from rest?

Homework Equations


Not entirely sure
λ=h/mv

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't figure out what the velocity is, I think it would have to do with the change in kinetic energy but I can't figure out what that would be
Is the distance 0.6 m, cm, mm? Units, as well as magnitude, are rather important to a physics or engineering, or other quantitative problem.

If the neutron is in freefall - what is the acceleration? Knowing the acceleration and distance, one can determine the velocity at that distance.
 
The other way to look at it, instead of calculating accelerations and integrating back to get velocity, is to look at the Energy. The change in energy is just mg*(change in height) and this goes into the kinetic energy i.e. 1/2 mv^2.
 
Astronuc said:
Is the distance 0.6 m, cm, mm?
meters

I tried finding the velocity using v2=2ax
and found v to be 3.43m/s
then I plugged that into λ=h/mv
where m=1.67*10-27kg and h=6.67*10-34
and found λ=5.87*10-8
 
wait for some reason I was using h=3.36E-34 instead of 6.67E-34 I don't even know where that number came from
 

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