Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsPhotoelectric Effect and Wave–Particle Duality
For which of the following scenarios will the heavier of two particles have a shorter de Broglie wavelength? The two particles
Options
- Atravel with the same linear momentum
- Bpossess the same kinetic energy
- Chave dropped through the same height
- Dtravel with the same speed
Correct answer
D. travel with the same speed
Step-by-step solution
The de Broglie wavelength of a particle is given by = h p = h mv = h 2mK . For particles with the same linear momentum p , the wavelength is the same regardless of their masses. For particles with the same kinetic energy K , 1 m . Since the heavier particle has a larger mass m , it will have a shorter de Broglie wavelength. For particles dropped through the same height H , their final speeds are equal, given by v = 2gH . For particles traveling with the same speed v , 1 m . The heavier particle has a larger mass m