(i) Explain qualitatively how the de Broglie wavelength of a particle varies with (a)…
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Particles and radiation · Particles and radiation
Problem
(i) Explain qualitatively how the de Broglie wavelength of a particle varies with (a) its kinetic energy and (b) its mass.
(ii) An electron and a proton each have a kinetic energy of 5keV. Without performing any numerical calculation, state which particle will have the larger de Broglie wavelength and justify your answer.
(iii) Verify your qualitative conclusion by calculating the ratio λelectron/λproton using appropriate physical constants.