What is the wavelength of an electron moving at 1 m/s?

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The discussion centers on calculating the wavelength of an electron moving at 1 m/s using De Broglie's equation. The momentum is determined by multiplying the mass of the electron by its velocity, resulting in a value of approximately 9.11 x 10^-31 kg m/s. The wavelength is then calculated by dividing Planck's constant by the momentum, yielding a final wavelength of approximately 0.727 x 10^-3 meters. A typographical error in the final answer was noted, but the underlying calculations were confirmed to be correct. Overall, the math is accurate despite the initial confusion regarding the final value.
AdrianHudson
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Homework Statement


What is the corresponding wavelength, in meters, of an electron moving at 1 m/s?
Velocity: 1 m/s
Planks Constant = 6.626 069 57 x 10^-34
Mass of electron = 9.109 382 91 x 10^-31
Momentum = unknown

Homework Equations


We need to find momentum to use De Broglie's equation.

Momentum = Mass * Velocity
De Broglie's Equation for finding the wavelength: λ = h/p
h being the Planck constant

The Attempt at a Solution



My attempt.

Finding momentum : P = 9.109 382 91 x 10^-31 * 1 m/s
p = 9.109 382 91 x 10^-31
finding the wavelength
First divide the numbers WITHOUT the exponent
so 6.626 069 57/9.109 382 91 = 0.727 389 51
now exponents -34/-31
= -3 (I took out the extra steps)

final answer λ = 0.727 389 51 x 10^-3

is this correct?
 
Last edited:
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AdrianHudson said:
1. First divide the numbers WITHOUT the exponent
so 6.626 069 57/9.109 382 91 = 0.727 389 51
now exponents -34/-31
= -3 (I took out the extra steps)

final answer λ = .0727 389 51 x 10^-3

is this correct?


No.
How did you get from 0.727 389 51 to .0727 389 51 ?
 
rude man said:
No.
How did you get from 0.727 389 51 to .0727 389 51 ?

Oh crap ! MY bad human error it is a typo!
 
Last edited:
AdrianHudson said:
Oh crap ! MY bad human error it is a typo!

Thought so! But instructors mark off for those too! :smile:
 
rude man said:
Thought so! But instructors mark off for those too! :smile:

Haha I will be more weary next time! So does the math look off? :-p
 

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