Lesson: Matter Waves Physics • 9th Grade

In this lesson, we will learn how to calculate the de Broglie wavelength of massive particles that have a given momentum or velocity.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

recognize that all particles have an associated wavelength called the de Broglie wavelength,
recognize that the de Broglie wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to its momentum,
use the formula .

Lesson Video

Lesson Explainer

Sample Question Videos

03:44
04:06
03:52

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

An electron has a rest mass of kg. If the electron has a kinetic energy of J, what is its de Broglie wavelength? Use a value of J⋅s for the Planck constant. Give your answer in scientific notation to two decimal places.

Q2:

What is the kinetic energy of a muon that has a de Broglie wavelength of m? Use a value of kg for the rest mass of a muon and a value of J⋅s for the Planck constant. Give your answer in scientific notation to two decimal places.

Q3:

If an electron and a muon have the same speed, which particle has the greater de Broglie wavelength?