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Answer the following questions: (e) 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=(h)/(lambda) But while the value of lambda is physically significant, the value of ν (and therefore, the value of the phase speed νlambda) has no physical significance. Why? |
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Answer» Solution :The ABSOLUTE value of energy E (but not momentum p) of any particle is arbitrary to within an ADDITIVE constant. Hence, while `lambda` is physically significant, absolute value of ν of a matter WAVE of an electron has no direct physical MEANING. The phase speed `vlambda` is likewise not physically significant. The group speed given by `(DV)/(d(1//lambda))=(dE)/(dp)=(d)/(dp)((p^(2))/(2m))=(p)/(m)` is physically meaningful. |
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