01-08-2026, 01:32 PM
de Broglie Wavelength — Why Matter Acts Like Waves
The de Broglie wavelength shows that all matter has wave-like properties.
Equation:
λ = h / p
Where:
λ = wavelength
h = Planck’s constant
p = momentum (mv)
What this means:
Objects with more momentum have shorter wavelengths.
Small particles show wave behavior more clearly than large objects.
Key insight:
• Electrons can diffract like light
• Matter waves are real and measurable
• Classical physics fails at small scales
Why this matters:
This equation explains why quantum mechanics exists — it shows that particles are not purely particles.
The de Broglie wavelength shows that all matter has wave-like properties.
Equation:
λ = h / p
Where:
λ = wavelength
h = Planck’s constant
p = momentum (mv)
What this means:
Objects with more momentum have shorter wavelengths.
Small particles show wave behavior more clearly than large objects.
Key insight:
• Electrons can diffract like light
• Matter waves are real and measurable
• Classical physics fails at small scales
Why this matters:
This equation explains why quantum mechanics exists — it shows that particles are not purely particles.