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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the de Broglie wavelength associated with a neutron that has an energy of 2 eV. Participants are examining the relationship between energy, mass, and wavelength in the context of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations relevant to calculating the de Broglie wavelength and express confusion regarding the use of the mass of the proton in the calculations. There are attempts to derive the wavelength using kinetic energy and frequency relationships, but inconsistencies in results prompt further questioning.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the definitions and equations related to the de Broglie wavelength. There is an ongoing exploration of the assumptions made regarding the mass of the neutron and the energy units involved, with no explicit consensus reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are questioning the accuracy of the energy value given in the problem, considering whether it was intended to be in eV or keV. This uncertainty may affect the calculations and results discussed.

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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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##.
 
Last edited:
[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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