Matter waves

Definition

Matter waves, also known as de Broglie waves, are the wave-like behavior exhibited by particles of matter when they move. They are a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and illustrate the dual nature of particles and waves.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The wavelength of a matter wave is given by $\lambda = \frac{h}{p}$ where $h$ is Planck's constant and $p$ is the momentum of the particle.
2. Matter waves were first proposed by Louis de Broglie in 1924.
3. The concept of matter waves led to the development of quantum mechanics and the Schrödinger equation.
4. Electron diffraction experiments provided experimental evidence for matter waves.
5. Matter waves demonstrate that particles such as electrons can exhibit interference patterns similar to light.

Review Questions

• What equation defines the wavelength of a matter wave?
• Who first proposed the concept of matter waves?
• What kind of experimental evidence supports the existence of matter waves?

Related terms

de Broglie Hypothesis: The hypothesis proposed by Louis de Broglie stating that all moving particles have an associated wavelength given by $\lambda = \frac{h}{p}$.

Wave-Particle Duality: The concept in quantum mechanics that every particle or quantum entity exhibits both particle and wave properties.

Schrödinger Equation: A fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time.