The De Broglie Wavelength is the very evidence of dual nature of particles ( specially photons). But if we use the equation lamda =h/mv, and then put the values of the rest mass of photon (=0) or the mass in motion (=1/0) , the equation becomes invalid. Explain
Asked
Active
Viewed 727 times
2 Answers
1
The de Broglie wavelength is not given by $\lambda = \frac{h}{mv}$. It is given by $\lambda = \frac{h}{p}$, where $p$ is the momentum of the wave-particle.
The momentum of light isn't zero (even though it's massless), so it has a finite de Broglie wavelength.
Allure
- 23,373
-2
The correct formula is lambda=h/p. For a photon p=gamma.m.v. your forgot gamma factor. P is not null for a photon even if mass is null due to the gamma factor. In maths this gives 0 times infinity. You can t say that this give zero
