\[\lambda=\frac{h}{p}\]
Variables
lambda[λ]de Broglie wavelength (m)
hPlanck constant (J·s)
pmomentum (kg·m/s)
Description
What is this formula?
The de Broglie wavelength formula calculates the wavelength associated with a moving particle. It introduced the concept that matter can exhibit wave-like behavior, forming one of the foundations of quantum mechanics.
When to use it
Use this formula when studying wave-particle duality, electron motion, quantum mechanics, diffraction phenomena, and particle behavior at microscopic scales.
Example
Data:
Momentum:
p=2×10^-24 kg·m/s
Formula:
λ=h/p
Substitution:
λ=(6.626×10^-34)/(2×10^-24)
Result:
λ=3.31×10^-10 m
Applications
- Quantum mechanics
- Electron microscopy
- Particle physics
- Atomic models
- Wave-particle duality studies
- Diffraction experiments