ATM-006 · Foundations of quantum mechanics Sample material

De Broglie's hypothesis. The uncertainty relation

Wave properties of particles: de Broglie's hypothesis, the Davisson–Germer and Thomson–Tartakovsky experiments, the statistical interpretation of de Broglie waves and Heisenberg's uncertainty relation.

Estimated time: 3 h 3 activities

Learning objective

Explain the essence of wave–particle duality.
Learn to calculate the de Broglie wavelength for various particles.
Analyse the electron diffraction experiments and their results.
Apply the uncertainty relation to estimate the states of microparticles.

Expected outcomes

Can calculate $\lambda = h/p$ for an electron, proton or neutron given the accelerating voltage or speed.
Can explain the idea of the Davisson–Germer and Thomson–Tartakovsky experiments and the Bragg condition.
Knows the probabilistic meaning of the squared modulus of the wave function.
Performs estimates with $\Delta x\,\Delta p_x \ge \hbar/2$ and $\Delta E\,\Delta t \sim \hbar$.

Interactive modelElectrons passing through two slits
Interactive modelWave packet and the uncertainty relation

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Particles and waves. De Broglie's hypothesis. Wave properties of particles.
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Particles and waves. De Broglie's hypothesis. Wave properties of particles.
  • Final test — at least 70%