DeBroglie: Wave Characteristics of Matter
Key Questions
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Answer:
Louis de Broglie extended the notion of wave motion from light to other particles, such as electrons. It is possible to calculate a de Broglie wavelength for anything, including an elephant!
Explanation:
The formula is
#lambda = h/p# where#h# is Planck's constant,#6.63xx10^-34# #m^2kgs^-1# , and#p# is the momentum (#p=mv# , mass times velocity).If you do the calculation, you will find out that the de Broglie wavelength for big objects like an elephant or a tennis ball is immeasurably tiny. It is only for very tiny objects like electrons that the concept really has much significance.