Sketch the interference pattern that results from the diffraction of electrons passing through two closely spaced slits.
Ch.7 - Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Atom
Chapter 7, Problem 50
The smallest atoms can themselves exhibit quantum-mechanical behavior. Calculate the de Broglie wavelength (in pm) of a hydrogen atom traveling at 475 m/s.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
de Broglie Wavelength
The de Broglie wavelength is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that describes the wave-like behavior of particles. It is given by the formula λ = h/p, where λ is the wavelength, h is Planck's constant, and p is the momentum of the particle. For a moving particle, momentum is calculated as the product of its mass and velocity. This concept illustrates the dual nature of matter, where particles exhibit both wave and particle characteristics.
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Planck's Constant
Planck's constant (h) is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to the frequency of its associated electromagnetic wave. Its value is approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 J·s. In the context of the de Broglie wavelength, it serves as a bridge between classical and quantum physics, allowing for the calculation of wavelengths associated with moving particles, such as atoms and electrons.
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Momentum
Momentum is a vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity (p = mv). In the context of quantum mechanics, momentum plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of particles, including their de Broglie wavelength. For a hydrogen atom, knowing its mass and velocity allows us to calculate its momentum, which is essential for finding its associated wavelength and understanding its quantum behavior.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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Open Question
What happens to the interference pattern if we attempt to determine which slit the electron passes through using a laser placed directly behind the slits? Additionally, what happens to the interference pattern described in Problem 47 if the rate of electrons passing through the slits is reduced to one electron per hour?
Textbook Question
The resolution limit of a microscope is roughly equal to the wavelength of light used in producing the image. Electron microscopes use an electron beam (in place of photons) to produce much higher resolution images, about 0.20 nm in modern instruments. Assuming that the resolution of an electron microscope is equal to the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons used, to what speed must the electrons be accelerated to obtain a resolution of 0.20 nm?
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Open Question
What is the de Broglie wavelength of an electron traveling at 1.35 x 10^5 m/s?
Textbook Question
A proton in a linear accelerator has a de Broglie wavelength of 122 pm. What is the speed of the proton?
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Textbook Question
Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of a 143-g baseball traveling at 95 mph. Why is the wave nature of matter not important for a baseball?
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