- #1
Cowtipper
- 36
- 0
Homework Statement
If an electron has a measured wavelength of 0.850 x 10^-10 m, what is its kinetic energy?
Homework Equations
I'm not sure.
The Attempt at a Solution
And once again, I'm not too sure. Where do I start?
Cowtipper said:Well, I've got this:
I'm not sure if it's one to use.
E = hc/[tex]\lambda[/tex]
hage567 said:No, this equation will not work. Look back in your notes and try to figure out why.
Look up "de Broglie wavelength."
Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity.
The kinetic energy of an electron is different from that of a larger object because it is influenced by its mass and velocity. Electrons have a very small mass compared to larger objects, and their high velocity contributes to a much greater kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy and an electron's speed are directly proportional. This means that as an electron's speed increases, its kinetic energy also increases. This relationship is described by the equation KE = 1/2 mv^2, where m is the mass of the electron and v is its velocity.
Temperature affects the kinetic energy of electrons by increasing their speed. As temperature increases, the average speed of electrons in a substance also increases, leading to a higher kinetic energy. This is why materials become more conductive at higher temperatures.
Yes, the kinetic energy of an electron can be changed. It can be increased by accelerating the electron through an electric field or by increasing its temperature. It can also be decreased by slowing down the electron's speed or by cooling it down.