Why does the momentum of a matter wave depend on the phase velocity?

In summary, the de Broglie relations state that energy is equal to Planck's constant multiplied by frequency, and momentum is equal to Planck's constant divided by wavelength. This implies that energy divided by momentum is equal to wavelength multiplied by frequency, which is also equal to angular frequency divided by wave number, or momentum divided by velocity. However, it is argued that the momentum of a particle described by a matter wave should relate to the group velocity, as it is generally the actual velocity of the particle, rather than the phase velocity. The phase velocity is equal to energy divided by momentum, while the group velocity is equal to the derivative of energy with respect to momentum. For a particle with mass m, the energy is equal to momentum
  • #1
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de Broglie relations say that E = hf and p = h/λ which implies E/p = λf = ω/κ = vp, or p = E/vp. It seems to me like the momentum of a particle described by a matter wave should relate to the group velocity not the phase velocity, because the group velocity is generally the actual velocity of the particle.
 
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  • #2
They're all related. The phase velocity is E/p while the group velocity is dE/dp. For a particle of mass m, E = p2/2m. So for this case the phase velocity is p/2m and the group velocity is p/m. Looks like the group velocity is what you want to be the "actual" velocity v.
 

1. Why does the momentum of a matter wave depend on the phase velocity?

The momentum of a matter wave depends on the phase velocity because of the de Broglie wavelength, which states that the wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to its momentum. The phase velocity, which is the speed of the wave as it propagates, is directly related to the wavelength of the matter wave. Therefore, any change in the phase velocity will result in a change in the momentum of the matter wave.

2. How does the phase velocity affect the momentum of a matter wave?

The phase velocity directly affects the momentum of a matter wave through the de Broglie wavelength. A higher phase velocity will result in a shorter wavelength, and therefore a larger momentum. Similarly, a lower phase velocity will result in a longer wavelength and a smaller momentum.

3. Is the momentum of a matter wave always dependent on the phase velocity?

Yes, the momentum of a matter wave is always dependent on the phase velocity. This is because the de Broglie wavelength is a fundamental property of matter waves and is directly related to the phase velocity. Any change in the phase velocity will result in a change in the momentum of the matter wave.

4. Can the phase velocity of a matter wave be manipulated to change its momentum?

Yes, the phase velocity of a matter wave can be manipulated to change its momentum. This can be achieved through various means such as changing the energy of the particle, altering the properties of the medium through which the wave is propagating, or using specialized instruments such as waveguides.

5. How does the phase velocity of a matter wave differ from the group velocity?

The phase velocity and the group velocity of a matter wave are two different measures of the speed of the wave. The phase velocity is the speed of the actual wave as it travels, while the group velocity is the speed at which the energy or information of the wave is propagated. In most cases, the two velocities are equal, but in some cases, such as in a dispersive medium, they can differ.

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