Question

Explain how the dual aspect of matter is evident in the de Broglie relation.

Answer 1

The de Broglie relation proposed that matter, like radiation, exhibits both particle-like and wave-like properties.

The de Broglie relation is given by:

λ = `h/p`

= `h/(m v)`

Here:

Wavelength (λ) is a characteristic property of waves (e.g., interference, diffraction).

Momentum (p) is a characteristic property of particles (mass and velocity).

Planck’s constant (h) acts as the bridge connecting these two aspects.

The relation shows that a moving particle of momentum p has an associated wave of wavelength λ. This directly links the wave and particle nature of matter in a single equation.

∴ The dual nature is evident because the equation relates a wave parameter (λ) to a particle parameter (p).