Question

If mass and velocity are unknown when using de Broglie's wavelength formula, what alternative value must we have to successfully determine the wavelength

Answer 1

The particle momentum, p

Step-by-step explanation:

A particle's de Broglie's wavelength is an indication of the scale in length where the particle's wave-like properties are important. The symbol of de Broglie wavelength is λ or
`\lambda _(dB)` given as follows;

The de Broglie's wavelength formula is given as follows;

`\lambda = (h)/(m \cdot v) = (h)/(p)`

Where;

λ = The wavelength of the particle in meters

v = The velocity of the particle in meters/seconds

m = The mass of the particle in kilograms

p = The momentum of the particle

h = Planck's constant = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J/Hz

Therefore, the alternative value that we must have to successfully determine the wavelength if the mass and velocity are unknown, is the momentum, p of the particle.