How De Broglie's wavelength found/derived?

Through energy conservation, we can determine that no energy is lost and thereforeKinetic energy = Electrical energyAs a result the following equation is present where both sides represent energy:(m*(v^2))/2 = eVHere: ·        m = the mass of the electron·        v = the speed of the electron·        e = charge on a single electron·        V = voltageBy multiplying both formulae by (m/m) or 1, we can derive the following equations:((mv)^2)/(2m) = eV(p^2)/(2m) = eVHere, p = the momentum of the electronWe also know another equation for energy that leads us to determine:Energy = (hc)/ λ = m(c^2)Here: ·        h = Planck’s constant·        c = the speed of light·        λ = De Broglie’s wavelengthBy cancelling out c from both sides of the equation we can arrive at the equations:h/λ = mch/λ = pWe then substitute this into the earlier equation to arrive at the following:h^2/(2m*(λ^2)) = eV(2m*(λ^2))/h^2 = 1/(eV)(λ^2) = (h^2)/(2meV)λ = h/((2me*V)^(1/2))The final equation represents De Broglie’s wavelength.

AA
Answered by Abdur-Rahman A. Physics tutor

2111 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Which unit is equivalent to J kg^-1? a) m s^-1 b) m s^-2 c) m^2 s^-1 d) m^2 s^-2


A ball mass 2kg rests on a slope of angle 60 degrees. If it is stationary, calculate the coefficient of static friction


The diagram below represents a balloon just before take-off. The balloon’s basket is attached to the ground by two fixing ropes.Calculate the tension in either of the fixing ropes.


What is the difference between the centripetal acceleration and the centrifugal force?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning