College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 28 - Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 961: 1

Answer

We cannot observe the de Broglie wave associated with the moving car.

Work Step by Step

The matter wave or de Broglie wave associated with moving particle is given by $\lambda= \frac{h}{mv}$ where $h $ is planks constant ,$m$ is mass of particle and $v$ is speed of the particle. Typically mass of a Car is around 1000 kg .assuming it to be of the order of $10^{3}kg$ Maximum speed of the normal car is 250 km/hr=69.4 m/s assuming it tobe of the order of $10^{2}m/s$ so for normal car putting these value in above equation will give de Broglie wavelength $\lambda= \frac{6.63\times10^{-34}J-s}{10^{3}kg\times10^{2}m/s}$ $\lambda=6.63\times10^{-39}m$ $\lambda=663\times10^{-28}nm$ which is $10^{28}$ times shorter than the wavelength of RED light. so it is not observable.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.