Is the relation c=νλ valid only for Electromagnetic waves? What is the validity of the relation

ga2t1a2dan1oj

ga2t1a2dan1oj

Answered question

2022-05-14

Is the relation c=νλ valid only for Electromagnetic waves?
What is the validity of the relation c = ν λ? More specifically, is this equation valid only for Electromagnetic waves?
I read this statement in a book, which says:
"de Broglie waves are not electromagnetic in nature, because they do not arise out of accelerated charged particle."
This seems correct, but arises a doubt in my mind.
Suppose I find out the wavelength of a matter wave (or de Broglie wave) using de Broglie's wave equation:
λ = h p
Now, can I use c = ν λ to find out the frequency of the wave?

Answer & Explanation

jcholewa39v8f

jcholewa39v8f

Beginner2022-05-15Added 13 answers

No.
The general relation is given by
v = λ ν
Where v is the velocity of the considered wave and λ and ν its wavelength and frequency. Of course in the case of an electromagnetic wave which is traveling at the speed of light you gain
c = λ ν
If you're treating instead some massive particle, then thou have
p = E v c 2
and using E = h ν you obtain
p = h λ
For a non-relativistic particle
λ = h p = h 2 m K
, where K is the non-relativistic kinetic energy K = p 2 2 m

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