What is the Difference Between De Broglie Wavelength and Wavelength?

The main difference between the De Broglie wavelength and the normal wavelength lies in the nature of the entities they describe and the equations used to calculate them.

• De Broglie Wavelength: This wavelength is associated with particles that have mass, such as electrons, and is used to describe their wave-like properties. The De Broglie wavelength is calculated using the equation $$\lambda_{dB} = \frac{h}{p}$$, where $$h$$ is the Planck constant and $$p$$ is the momentum of the particle.
• Normal Wavelength: This wavelength is associated with massless particles, such as photons, and is used to describe their wave-like properties. The normal wavelength is calculated using the equation $$c = \lambda \nu$$, where $$c$$ is the speed of light, $$\lambda$$ is the wavelength, and $$\nu$$ is the frequency of the wave.

In summary, the De Broglie wavelength is used for particles with mass and is calculated using the particle's momentum, while the normal wavelength is used for massless particles and is calculated using the wave's frequency and speed of light.

Comparative Table: De Broglie Wavelength vs Wavelength

The De Broglie wavelength and the wavelength calculated using the formula $$c = \frac{f}{\lambda}$$, where $$c$$ is the speed of light, $$f$$ is the frequency, and $$\lambda$$ is the wavelength, are different concepts applied to different phenomena. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

The De Broglie wavelength is applicable to matter particles and photons, and it is derived from the wave-particle duality of these particles. On the other hand, the wavelength calculated using the formula $$c = \frac{f}{\lambda}$$ is only applicable to electromagnetic radiation and light. This wavelength is related to the electromagnetic wave properties of light, while the De Broglie wavelength is related to the wave-particle duality of matter particles and photons.