wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
10
You visited us 10 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

The energy and momentum of an electron are related to the frequency and wavelength of the associated matter wave by the relations:
E=hv,p=hλ
But while the value of λ is physically significant, the value of v (and therefore, the value of the phase speed v λ) has no physical significations. Why?

Open in App
Solution

The absolute value of energy E (but not momentum p) of any particle is arbitrary to within an additive constant. Hence, while is physically significant, the absolute value of a matter-wave of an electron has no direct physical meaning. The phase speed is likewise not physically significant. The group speed given by dvd(1/λ)=dEdp(p22m)=pm, is physically meaningful.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
similar_icon
Similar questions
View More
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Idea of Charge
PHYSICS
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon
footer-image