Calculating an energy of an electron with known De Broglie wavelength (why can't we calculate it sim

Sappeycuii

Sappeycuii

Answered question

2022-05-18

Calculating an energy of an electron with known De Broglie wavelength (why can't we calculate it similar than we do it for a photon)
Lets say we have an electron with known De Broglie wavelength λ. Can anyone justify or explain why we calculate its energy E using 1st the De Broglie relation λ = h / p to get momentum p and 2nd using the invariant interval to calculate E
p 2 c 2 = E 2 E 0 2 E = p 2 c 2 + E 0 2
Why we are not alowed to do it like we do it for a photon:
E = h ν = h c λ
These equations return different results.

Answer & Explanation

Brennan Frye

Brennan Frye

Beginner2022-05-19Added 20 answers

Note that the equation E = h ν does not account for the energy equivalent of particle's mass. It assumes zero mass.
Photons has zero mass. You can actually substitute zero for E 0 so that p 2 c 2 = E 2 , and then apply de Broglie's relations so that E = h ν

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Quantum Mechanics

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?