Question

What is the de Broglie wavelength of the proton, in fm?

Answer 1

The de Broglie wavelength λ in units of m for mass-ive objects is given by the de Broglie relation:

λ=h/mv,

where:

• h=6.626×10⁻³⁴J⋅s is Planck's constant.
• m is the object's mass in kg and v is its velocity in m/s.

To compare λ for each object, first calculate them. You would have to already know their masses.

• The rest mass m_p of a proton is 1.673×10⁻²⁷kg