KVPY2018PhysicsDual Nature of Matter
Using the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, arrange the following particles in the order of increasing lowest energy possible. (I) An electron in H 2 molecule (II) A hydrogen atom in a H 2 , molecule (III) A proton in the carbon nucleus (IV) A H 2 molecule within a nanotube
Options
- AI < III < II < IV
- BIV < II < I < III
- CII < IV < III < I
- DIV < I < II < III
Correct answer
B. IV < II < I < III
Step-by-step solution
H 2 molecule in a nanotube is bound only by adhesive forces. So, its energy is least. A hydrogen atom in a H 2 molecule is bound by interatomic forces. So, its energy is less than the energy of an electron in H 2 molecule. Proton in a carbon nucleus is bound because of strong nuclear forces. So, its energy is largest. ∴ Correct order is IV < II < I < III