PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Particles and radiation · Particles and radiation
Problem
An electron and a proton each move with speed 5.0×105m s−1. Which statement about their de Broglie wavelengths is correct?
(a) Both have the same de Broglie wavelength because their speeds are identical.
(b) The electron possesses the longer de Broglie wavelength since its mass is smaller.
(c) The proton possesses the longer de Broglie wavelength since its mass is larger.
(d) Their wavelengths cannot be compared without first knowing their kinetic energies.