A photon and an electron each have the same magnitude of linear momentum
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter · Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Problem
A photon and an electron each have the same magnitude of linear momentum p. Which of the following statements is most accurate?
(a) Their energies are identical because they have identical momenta.
(b) The photon has the greater energy since Eγ=pc while the electron’s kinetic energy is Ke=p2/(2me).
(c) The electron has the greater energy because it possesses mass in addition to momentum.
(d) It is impossible to decide which has greater energy without knowing the photon’s wavelength.