Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Wave-particle duality

Wave-particle duality — practice question

An electron carries charge $-q$ and has mass $m$. It is speeded up from rest in a vacuum by moving through a potential difference $V$.
(a)[2]

Show that the momentum $p$ of the electron after acceleration is given by $p = \sqrt{2mqV}$.

(b(i))[2]

The potential difference $V$ used to accelerate the electron is $120\,\text{V}$. State what the de Broglie wavelength means.

(b(ii))[3]

Calculate the de Broglie wavelength for the electron.

(c)[2]

The spacing between copper atoms in a copper crystal is about $2 \times 10^{-10}\,\text{m}$. Using your answer to (b)(ii), suggest whether electron diffraction could be seen with a beam of electrons accelerated through a potential difference of $120\,\text{V}$ and then directed at a thin copper crystal.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Loss in electric potential energy equals gain in kinetic energy

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