The de Broglie Wavelength
Big question: How can we quantify deBroglie’s hypothesis that matter can sometimes be viewed as waves? What is the wavelength of an electron?
de Broglie’s idea: define wavelength of electron so that same formula works for light also, when expressed in terms of momentum!
- What is momentum of photon? This is known from relativity:
- p = E / c (plausible since: E = mc2 and p = mc ? E = pc)
- How is momentum of photon related to its wavelength?
- from photoelectric effect: E = h? ? pc = h?
- change frequency to wavelength: c =??? ? c/? =??