De Broglie Matter Waves: Where Does the Fraction Come From?

In summary, de Broglie matter waves are a concept in quantum mechanics proposed by physicist Louis de Broglie that suggests all particles have both wave-like and particle-like properties. The de Broglie wavelength, represented by λ, is a fraction involving the Planck constant and the momentum of a particle, showing the wave-like nature of particles. This wavelength is inversely proportional to the momentum of a particle and has been observed in experiments such as the Davisson-Germer experiment. The concept of de Broglie matter waves is closely related to the wave-particle duality principle, which states that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
  • #1
Matter_Matters
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In de Broglie's original proof of the theorem of phase harmony, the frequency of the moving wave of energy mc^2 (not the internal periodic phenomenon wave) is multiplied by the following term

##freq * ( t - \frac{\beta * x}{c} ) ##

Does anyone have an idea where the fraction comes from? All help appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Never mind... I got it! answer is on pg 40 of de Broglie's introduction to wave mechanics!
 

Related to De Broglie Matter Waves: Where Does the Fraction Come From?

1. What is the concept of de Broglie matter waves?

The de Broglie matter waves, also known as matter waves, are a concept in quantum mechanics proposed by physicist Louis de Broglie. It suggests that all particles, including electrons, protons, and atoms, have both wave-like and particle-like properties.

2. Why is there a fraction involved in de Broglie matter waves?

The fraction involved in de Broglie matter waves is known as the de Broglie wavelength, represented by the symbol λ. This wavelength is a result of the ratio between the Planck constant (h) and the momentum of the particle (p), which is given by λ = h/p. This fraction represents the wave-like nature of particles and is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics.

3. How is the de Broglie wavelength related to the momentum of a particle?

The de Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the momentum of a particle. This means that as the momentum of a particle increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation λ = h/p, where h is a constant value and p is the momentum of the particle.

4. Can the de Broglie wavelength be observed in experiments?

Yes, the de Broglie wavelength has been observed in various experiments, such as the Davisson-Germer experiment, where electrons were diffracted by a crystal lattice. This experiment confirmed the wave-like nature of particles and the existence of de Broglie matter waves.

5. How does the concept of de Broglie matter waves relate to the wave-particle duality?

The concept of de Broglie matter waves is closely related to the wave-particle duality principle, which states that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. The de Broglie wavelength is one of the key pieces of evidence for this principle, as it shows that particles have a wave nature in addition to their particle nature.

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