Question
Wave-particle duality tells us that wave and particle models apply to all objects whatever the size, so why don't we observe wave properties in macroscopic objects?
Choose one • 5 points
Because their particle properties forbid us from observing their wave properties.
Because their wavelength is extremely long (undetectable).
Because their wavelength is extremely short (undetectable).
Choose one • 5 points
Because their particle properties forbid us from observing their wave properties.
Because their wavelength is extremely long (undetectable).
Because their wavelength is extremely short (undetectable).
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct choice is:
**Because their wavelength is extremely short (undetectable).**
In quantum mechanics, the wavelength associated with an object is given by the de Broglie wavelength formula: \( \lambda = \frac{h}{p} \), where \( h \) is Planck's constant and \( p \) is the momentum of the object. For macroscopic objects, which have a significantly larger momentum compared to subatomic particles, the resulting wavelength is extremely short, making it undetectable and rendering wave properties effectively unobservable at macroscopic scales.
**Because their wavelength is extremely short (undetectable).**
In quantum mechanics, the wavelength associated with an object is given by the de Broglie wavelength formula: \( \lambda = \frac{h}{p} \), where \( h \) is Planck's constant and \( p \) is the momentum of the object. For macroscopic objects, which have a significantly larger momentum compared to subatomic particles, the resulting wavelength is extremely short, making it undetectable and rendering wave properties effectively unobservable at macroscopic scales.