Quantum mechanics

De Broglie’s hypothesis
The phenomena of interference, diffraction and
polarization give evidence for the wave behaviour of light.

The photo electric effect & the Campton scattering

established the particle behaviour of light

When wave can act as a wave sometimes and as a

particle at other times, then particles such as electrons
should also act as wave sometimes.

This is known as de Broglie hypothesis.

Smitha M G, Asst Professor, D.O.Physics, RNSIT
The de Broglie wave length is given by h
  hp OR 
mv

Other forms of De Broglie wavelengths(or matter wave)

1. De Broglie Wavelength associated with an accelerated charged particle

1.226
 nm
V

2. De Broglie wavelength when a particle is moving with Kinetic energy

h

2m( KE )
3. De-Broglie wavelength associated with particles in thermal equilibrium.
h

3mKT

Smitha M G, Asst Professor, D.O.Physics, RNSIT

Characteristics of Matter Waves
1.Matter waves cannot be observed. It is a wave model to describe
and study matter.
2. Matter waves travel both even in vacuum: hence it is not
mechanical waves.
3. Matter waves are associated with moving particles such as charged
and neutral particles.
4. Matter waves are probabilistic waves because waves represent the
probability of finding a particle in space.
5. Waves associated with microscopic particles such as electrons can
be measured.
6. Waves associated with macroscopic particles cannot be measured.
7. Matter waves are not electromagnetic waves in nature.
8. The velocity of mater waves depends on the velocity of the
material particle.

Smitha M G, Asst Professor, D.O.Physics, RNSIT

 Heisenberg Uncertainty principle

Statement: The position and momentum of a micro particle cannot be

measured simultaneously and accurately. The product of uncertainty in
the measurement of the position of the particle and uncertainty in the
measurement of momentum of the particle
is at the best equal to or greater than h / 4π.
Mathematically, we write the principle by the inequality ∆x. ∆p≥ h/4π
EXPLANATION:

 In mechanics (Quantum or classical) a particle in motion will have

definite position and momentum at a given instant of time.
 For macroscopic particles, the position and momentum can be
measured simultaneously and accurately.
 But for microscopic particles, simultaneous measurement of the
position and momentum gives inaccurate result.
Smitha M G, Asst Professor, D.O.Physics, RNSIT
If there is accuracy in the measurement of position of the particle,
then there is an inaccuracy in measurement of momentum of the
particle and vice versa.

Heisenberg gave a relation between the uncertainty in the

measurement of position and momentum to solve the above
problem. He showed that ∆x .∆p ≥ h/4π. This relation is called
Heisenberg’s uncertainty relation.

This relation is also applicable for other variables like energy and
time (E and t) and angular displacement (θ) and angular momentum
(L). The corresponding equations are ∆E. ∆t ≥ h/4π and
∆ θ. ∆L≥ h/4 π.

The pair of variables which satisfy the uncertainty principle are

called conjugate variables or canonical conjugates.
Smitha M G, Asst Professor, D.O.Physics, RNSIT
 Non existence of electron inside the nucleus
The energy E of a body can be expressed as
P2
E ..... (1)
2m
m- mass of the body, p is the momentum

Using Heisenberg Uncertainty principle

∆x .∆p ≥ h/4π
h
Or P  ..... (2)
4x

Diameter of the nucleus is 10-14 m. This is the maximum space of confinement

Thus if electron has to exists inside the nucleus, ten the uncertainty in its position
Δx must not exceed this value, thus Δx≤10-14 m

Smitha M G, Asst Professor, D.O.Physics, RNSIT

 6.63 x10  34
P 
4x10  14
This is the uncertainty in the momentum of the electron. The momentum of e electron
must be equal to the uncertainty in the momentum,

P 0.5 x10  20 Ns
In order for an electron may exists within the nucleus, its energy E must be such that,

 20 2
E
0.5 x10 
2 x9.11x10  31

E≥1.372x10-11 J

E≥85MeV

In beta decay, the maximum kinetic energy of the beta particle is 3-4 MeV.
The huge energy difference clearly shows that the electron cannot exists inside
the nucleus
Smitha M G, Asst Professor, D.O.Physics, RNSIT