Calculate the kinetic energy of an electron with a wavelength of 1fm

In summary, the formula for calculating the kinetic energy of an electron with a wavelength of 1fm is K.E. = (h*c)/λ, where h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength. The value of Planck's constant is determined through experimental measurements and is currently defined as 6.626 x 10^-34 joule seconds. The speed of light, denoted by c, is a constant value of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. The wavelength of an electron can be determined using the de Broglie wavelength formula, λ = h/mv, where h is Planck's constant, m is the mass of the electron, and v
  • #1
richyw
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0

Homework Statement



Calculate the kinetic energy of an electron with a wavelength of 1fm

Homework Equations



DeBroglie's relation
[tex]E^2=(pc)^2+\left(mc^2\right)^2[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I used debroglies relation to find momentum. plugged that into find E, and then subtracted the rest mass to find the kinetic energy. Is this even right? Is there a better way to do it?
 
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  • #2
I agree with your method.

In this case the energy is so much greater than rest energy that
[tex]E≈pc[/tex]
is a good approximation of the answer.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the kinetic energy of an electron with a wavelength of 1fm?

The formula for calculating the kinetic energy of an electron is K.E. = (h*c)/λ, where h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength.

2. How do you determine the value of Planck's constant in the formula?

The value of Planck's constant is a physical constant that is determined through experimental measurements. It is currently defined as 6.626 x 10^-34 joule seconds.

3. What is the speed of light in the formula?

The speed of light is a constant value that represents the speed at which light travels in a vacuum. It is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second and is denoted by the letter c in the formula.

4. How is the wavelength of an electron determined?

The wavelength of an electron can be determined by using the de Broglie wavelength formula, which is λ = h/mv, where h is Planck's constant, m is the mass of the electron, and v is the velocity of the electron.

5. Can the kinetic energy of an electron with a wavelength of 1fm be measured?

Yes, the kinetic energy of an electron can be measured using specialized equipment such as a mass spectrometer. Scientists use this device to determine the mass and velocity of an electron, which can then be used to calculate the kinetic energy using the formula K.E. = (h*c)/λ.

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