Velocity of a Helium-atom in a double slit experiment

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the velocity of a Helium atom after it scatters in a double slit experiment. The original poster provides specific parameters related to the setup, including distances relevant to the interference pattern observed on a detector screen.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the condition for constructive interference and relates it to the geometry of the setup. Participants suggest that additional relevant equations may be necessary to progress, particularly concerning the relationship between particle velocity and wavelength.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's attempts, providing guidance on the need for relevant equations and considerations regarding relativistic effects. There is an acknowledgment of the original poster's misunderstanding of the problem's requirements, leading to further exploration of the necessary concepts.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's language barrier, which may influence the clarity of their expressions. Additionally, the discussion highlights the importance of considering relativistic effects in the context of particle velocities.

laguna
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi, I want to apologize for any grammar errors in advance since english is not my first language. But i hope it is good enough such that the question is clear:
I want to calculate the velocity of a Helium-atom after it scattered on a double slit. The following information are given:
1) the distance of the first intensity maximum from the axis of the detector screen
2) distance d between both slits
3) distance from the double slit and the detector screen

Homework Equations


what is the velocity of the helium-atom? and what velocity would an electron need to have to reach the same separation of its intensity maximum?

The Attempt at a Solution


1) first I calculated the condition for constructive interference: d*sin(phi)=n*lamba, n integer.
2) from the distance to the screen L, and the distance of the first maximum, say l, we get phi: tan(phi)=l/L
3) from the first step we get lambda, since n=1, right?.
And here i am stuck.

Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello Laguna, :welcome:

Apparently you need one or more relevant equations to proceed. SInce there are none under '2. relevant equations', you will now have to search your toolbox to find some :smile:

Also: in your attempt at solution you might show your steps in more detail; if something goes wrong, PF helper can put it right...
 
Your difficulty might come from not having all the relevant equations. Think about how the velocity of a particle is related to its wavelength via an important equation.
 
thank you for the warm welcome :-)

I can use the de-Broglie relation lamba=h/p, p the momentum. then i get the speed, right? :-)
I am sorry, I missread '2. relevant equations' with '2. relevant questions' when I was writing the post.
 
Good start. You want to check if you need anything relativistic and then you can link ##\lambda## and ##p## (or fist link them and then check that ##v<<c##)
 
thank you. i didnt even condsider relativity.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K