Homework -- wavelength associated with a neutron moving with energy of 2ev

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron with an energy of 2 eV. Participants clarify that the mass of the neutron can be approximated by the mass of the proton, which is given as 1.67 x 10^-27 kg. The correct formula for the de Broglie wavelength is identified as h/mv, where velocity is derived from the kinetic energy equation v = √(2E/m). One participant initially arrives at an incorrect wavelength of 2.02 x 10^-11 m, while the expected answer is 6.4 x 10^-13 m, leading to a discussion about potential errors in the energy value used. Ultimately, the importance of verifying the energy unit (eV vs. keV) is emphasized for accurate calculations.
as123
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Homework Statement


Calculate the de - Broglie wavelength associated with a neutron moving with energy of 2ev .( mass of proton mp= 1.67*10^-27 kg )

Homework Equations


Wavelength= nh/ 2π
KE = eVs = 1/ 2mv^2
eVs=hf
Wavelength= v*f

The Attempt at a Solution


To calculate the wavelength at first I required velocity that I got from second equation.
I substituted mass of proton since its equal to that of neutron.
Then I got the frequency from third equation and put it in equation fourth.
But I didn't get the required answer.
De- Broglie wavelength is associated with first equation . so I am confused with it
I will really appreciate your help.
 
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as123 said:

Homework Statement


Calculate the de - Broglie wavelength associated with a neutron moving with energy of 2ev .( mass of proton mp= 1.67*10^-27 kg )

Weird that they give you the mass of the proton. Likely it's a typo. You can use that value as the mass of the neutron as it's essentially the same.

Look up the definition of the deBroglie wavelength.

Wavelength= nh/ 2π

##\frac{nh}{2\pi}## is the angular momentum of an electron in the Bohr atom, it's not a wavelength.

eVs=hf

##hf## is the energy of a photon, a massless particle that moves at speed c. It's not the energy of a massive particle such as a neutron that travels at a speed less than c.

Wavelength= v*f
##\frac{v}{f}## is the wavelength of a wave of frequency ##f## moving at speed ##v##.
 
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[Moderator's note: Fixed a broken quote tag]
Mister T said:
Weird that they give you the mass of the proton. Likely it's a typo. You can use that value as the mass of the neutron as it's essentially the same.

Look up the definition of the deBroglie wavelength.
##\frac{nh}{2\pi}## is the angular momentum of an electron in the Bohr atom, it's not a wavelength.
##hf## is the energy of a photon, a massless particle that moves at speed c. It's not the energy of a massive particle such as a neutron that travels at a speed less than c.##\frac{v}{f}## is the wavelength of a wave of frequency ##f## moving at speed ##v##.
Oo. Thank you. I got it
de-broglie wavelength is h/ mv and v=
√2E/m
Putting the values I got the answer as
2.02*10^-11m . but the answer given is 6.4*10^-13 . I think I messed up somewhere. I want some help.thank you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
as123 said:
Oo. Thank you. I got it
de-broglie wavelength is h/ mv and v=
√2E/m
Putting the values I got the answer as
2.02*10^-11m . but the answer given is 6.4*10^-13 . I think I messed up somewhere. I want some help.thank you.
Can you check your question source to confirm the given energy of the neutron? Was the value given in eV or keV?
 
gneill said:
Can you check your question source to confirm the given energy of the neutron? Was the value given in eV or keV?
The energy is given in eV
I checked two sources. But I got the correct answer with 2kev .
Thank you very much for the hint.
 
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