The Significance of ? = h/p
The de Broglie wave hypothesis “explains” the previously arbitrary quantization rule of Bohr (L=n(h/2?)). But this hypothesis is not restricted to electrons in the Hydrogen atom! Can we find any more evidence for the wave nature of matter?
Where to look? Interference phenomena:
- The key property of waves is that they show interference. Recall the interference patterns made by visible light passing through two slits or sound from two speakers.
- The problem with electrons - typical wavelengths are very small and one must find a way to observe the interference over very small distances