How De Broglie's wavelength found/derived?

Through energy conservation, we can determine that no energy is lost and thereforeKinetic energy = Electrical energyAs a result the following equation is present where both sides represent energy:(m*(v^2))/2 = eVHere: ·        m = the mass of the electron·        v = the speed of the electron·        e = charge on a single electron·        V = voltageBy multiplying both formulae by (m/m) or 1, we can derive the following equations:((mv)^2)/(2m) = eV(p^2)/(2m) = eVHere, p = the momentum of the electronWe also know another equation for energy that leads us to determine:Energy = (hc)/ λ = m(c^2)Here: ·        h = Planck’s constant·        c = the speed of light·        λ = De Broglie’s wavelengthBy cancelling out c from both sides of the equation we can arrive at the equations:h/λ = mch/λ = pWe then substitute this into the earlier equation to arrive at the following:h^2/(2m*(λ^2)) = eV(2m*(λ^2))/h^2 = 1/(eV)(λ^2) = (h^2)/(2meV)λ = h/((2me*V)^(1/2))The final equation represents De Broglie’s wavelength.

AA
Answered by Abdur-Rahman A. Physics tutor

2009 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

How do you tackle a general mechanics question?


How do I use the conservation of linear momentum to solve problems?


What is the second law of thermodynamics?


What is the difference between EMF and Voltage?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning