De Broglie Wavelength Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the de broglie wavelength calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
De Broglie Wavelength
wavelength = 6.626e-34 / (mass * velocity)Wavelength (nm)
wavelength_nm = 6.626e-34 / (mass * velocity) * 1e9Wavelength (pm)
wavelength_pm = 6.626e-34 / (mass * velocity) * 1e12Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
mass | Particle Mass(kg) | 9.109e-31 |
velocity | Particle Velocity(m/s) | 1000000 |
How It Works
De Broglie Wavelength
Louis de Broglie proposed that all matter has wave-like properties, with a wavelength inversely proportional to momentum.
Formula
lambda = h / p = h / (m v)
This wavelength is measurable for electrons and neutrons, and is the basis of electron microscopy.
Worked Example
Electron (m = 9.109e-31 kg) at v = 1e6 m/s.
- 01lambda = h / (m v)
- 02p = 9.109e-31 * 1e6 = 9.109e-25 kg m/s
- 03lambda = 6.626e-34 / 9.109e-25
- 04lambda = 7.274e-10 m = 0.727 nm
Frequently Asked Questions
Can macroscopic objects have a de Broglie wavelength?
Technically yes, but it is negligibly small. A 1 kg ball at 1 m/s has a wavelength of about 6.6 x 10^-34 m, far too tiny to ever detect.
How is the de Broglie wavelength measured?
By diffraction experiments. Electrons scattered off crystal lattices produce interference patterns consistent with their predicted wavelength.
Why is this important for electron microscopes?
Electron wavelengths at high energies are much shorter than visible light, allowing electron microscopes to resolve atomic-scale features.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open De Broglie Wavelength Calculator