Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 38 - Photons and Matter Waves - Questions - Page 1181: 12

Answer

The electron has a greater de Broglie wavelength than the proton.

Work Step by Step

We can use Equation (38-20) to find an expression for the de Broglie wavelength: $K = \frac{h^2}{2m \lambda^2}$ $\lambda^2 = \frac{h^2}{2m~K}$ $\lambda = \sqrt{\frac{h^2}{2m~K}}$ It is given that the kinetic energy is the same for both particles. Since an electron has a smaller mass than a proton, the electron has a greater de Broglie wavelength than the proton.
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