Measuring the Electron's Momentum Through a Slot

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on measuring the x-component of an electron's momentum after it passes through a narrow slit of width 2d. The electron's momentum is calculated using the equation p = mv, where m is the mass of the electron and v is its velocity. The participant questions whether the momentum in the x-direction can be derived simply as (mass of the electron) * sin(y), indicating a potential misunderstanding of the relationship between angle and momentum. The setup assumes that d is much smaller than D, allowing for simplifications in the calculations.

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Homework Statement



Consider an electron incident on a screen with a narrow slot of width 2d. Assume
that the electron is moving with velocity v in the direction perpendicular to the screen and
that its wavefunction is uniformly spread over the slit and its vicinity, as shown. After going
through the slit, the electron hits a detector screen a distance D away. Assume that d << D.

(a)We can think of this set up as a way to measure the momentum of the electron after
it passed through the slit. If the electron hits the detector screen at a point x away from the
point directly ligned up with the center of the slit (see Figure), what was the x-component
of its momentum just after it passed through the slit?


Homework Equations


p = mv


The Attempt at a Solution



Am I wrong to assume this is just equal to (m of electron)*sin(y)=momentum in x direction ?

I feel like this is too easy.
 

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