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An electron has a de Broglie wavelength of 2.80 \(\times\) 10\(^{-10}\) m. Determine (a) the magnitude of its momentum and (b) its kinetic energy (in joules and in electron volts).

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) Momentum: \( 2.37 \times 10^{-24} \, \text{kg m/s} \); (b) Kinetic energy: \( 3.10 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} \) or \( 1.94 \, \text{eV} \).

Step by step solution

01

Understand de Broglie Wavelength Formula

The de Broglie wavelength is provided by the formula \( \lambda = \frac{h}{p} \), where \( \lambda \) is the wavelength, \( h \) is Planck's constant \( (6.63 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J s}) \), and \( p \) is the momentum of the particle. This formula relates the momentum and wavelength of a particle.
02

Solve for Momentum

To find the momentum \( p \), we rearrange the de Broglie wavelength equation: \( p = \frac{h}{\lambda} \). Insert the given wavelength (2.80 \times 10^{-10} m) and Planck's constant into the equation: \( p = \frac{6.63 \times 10^{-34}}{2.80 \times 10^{-10}} \). Calculating gives \( p \approx 2.37 \times 10^{-24} \, \text{kg m/s} \).
03

Use Momentum to Find Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy \( KE \) can be determined using the relation \( KE = \frac{p^2}{2m} \), where \( m \) is the mass of an electron \( (9.11 \times 10^{-31} \, \text{kg}) \). Substitute the momentum found earlier: \( KE = \frac{(2.37 \times 10^{-24})^2}{2 \times 9.11 \times 10^{-31}} \). Calculating gives \( KE \approx 3.10 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} \).
04

Convert Joules to Electron Volts

1 electron volt (eV) is equal to \( 1.60 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} \). Thus, to convert the kinetic energy to eV, divide by this conversion factor: \( KE \approx \frac{3.10 \times 10^{-19}}{1.60 \times 10^{-19}} \approx 1.94 \, \text{eV} \).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Electron Momentum
The concept of electron momentum is central to understanding the behavior of electrons in quantum mechanics. The momentum of an electron is directly tied to its de Broglie wavelength through the formula \( \lambda = \frac{h}{p} \). Here, \( \lambda \) represents the wavelength, \( h \) stands for Planck's constant \((6.63 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J s})\), and \( p \) is the momentum.

To solve for the momentum when given the de Broglie wavelength, rearrange the equation to \( p = \frac{h}{\lambda} \). Plug in the given values:
  • Planck's constant: \(6.63 \times 10^{-34} \text{J s}\)
  • Wavelength: \(2.80 \times 10^{-10} \text{m}\)

Calculating the momentum gives \( p \approx 2.37 \times 10^{-24} \, \text{kg m/s} \).

This value provides insight into the moving state of the electron, underpinning both classical concepts and confirming aspects of wave-particle duality.
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is a measure of an electron’s motion and is derived using the electron's momentum. The kinetic energy \( KE \) can be calculated by the formula \( KE = \frac{p^2}{2m} \), where \( m \) is the mass of an electron, approximately \(9.11 \times 10^{-31} \, \text{kg}\).

First, substitute the known momentum value \( p = 2.37 \times 10^{-24} \, \text{kg m/s} \) into the equation to find
  • \( KE = \frac{(2.37 \times 10^{-24})^2}{2 \times 9.11 \times 10^{-31}} \approx 3.10 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J}\)
The result in joules gives a sense of how much energy the moving electron carries due to its velocity.

This energy is fundamental in fields such as thermodynamics and electrodynamics, where electron behavior often dictates energy transfer processes.
Conversion of Units
Converting energy from joules to electron volts (eV) is a common requirement in physics, especially when dealing with subatomic particles like electrons. This unit conversion is crucial because it provides a more intuitive scale for quantum mechanics experts and researchers.

The conversion factor is:
  • 1 eV = \( 1.60 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} \)

To convert the calculated kinetic energy from joules to electron volts, use the equation:
  • \[ KE \approx \frac{3.10 \times 10^{-19}}{1.60 \times 10^{-19}} \approx 1.94 \, \text{eV} \]

Using eV makes the results more accessible and relevant to experimental contexts where energy levels are often discussed in electron volts.

This simple conversion process is critical for ensuring clarity and communication within the scientific community.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Coherent light is passed through two narrow slits whose separation is 20.0 \(\mu\)m. The second-order bright fringe in the interference pattern is located at an angle of 0.0300 rad. If electrons are used instead of light, what must the kinetic energy (in electron volts) of the electrons be if they are to produce an interference pattern for which the second-order maximum is also at 0.0300 rad?

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