Wavelenght associated with electron

In summary, the conversation discusses the given mass of an electron and its kinetic energy of 1 mega electron volt. The person asking the question is unsure how to solve for the velocity using the kinetic energy equation and the de Broglie equation. A caution is given about using classical mechanics to solve for the velocity, as it can result in a value greater than the speed of light. It is suggested that the student use the relativistic formulae to solve for the velocity instead.
  • #1
mounica reddy
1
0
1.given mass of electron = 9.11*10^-31 ... kinetic energy=1mega electron volt



2. Homework Equations :: k.e=1/2mv^2 and λ=h/mv



3. The Attempt at a Solution :: am unable to get it...can anyone ry...
 
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  • #2
mounica reddy said:
1.given mass of electron = 9.11*10^-31 ... kinetic energy=1mega electron volt



2. Homework Equations :: k.e=1/2mv^2 and λ=h/mv



3. The Attempt at a Solution :: am unable to get it...can anyone ry...


You have KE and also expression for it
So you can find v?
and then mv

PS: for energy conversion use: 1eV = e J (e=1.6*10-19)
 
  • #3
Big caution here: if you use classical mechanics to compute the velocity of the electron, you get v > c. This is not correct.

I'm afraid that here, you have to use the relativistic formulae ([itex]\Delta{E} = \Delta{m}c^2[/itex] and [itex]m = \frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}[/itex]) to get the answer. You can't use [itex]E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2[/itex].
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Curious3141 said:
Big caution here: if you use classical mechanics to compute the velocity of the electron, you get v > c. This is not correct.

I'm afraid that here, you have to use the relativistic formulae ([itex]\Delta{E} = \Delta{m}c^2[/itex] and [itex]m = \frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}[/itex]) to get the answer. You can't use [itex]E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2[/itex].

Nice catch, i missed that. But its use depends on the level of question ... in basic physics, relativity eqns are usually not used ... Let the OP decide weather he is supposed to use them or not
 
  • #5
cupid.callin said:
Nice catch, i missed that. But its use depends on the level of question ... in basic physics, relativity eqns are usually not used ... Let the OP decide weather he is supposed to use them or not

I suppose, but frankly, if the student is expected to understand and apply the de Broglie equation, he/she should be expected to discern when SR should be used rather than Classical Mechanics.
 
  • #6
cupid.callin said:
... in basic physics, relativity eqns are usually not used ...
Usually true, unless the class is learning introductory relativity.

If this is to be solved without relativity, it is the responsibility of the teacher or professor to keep energies and speeds in the nonrelativistic regime. This teacher didn't do that, so the correct way to solve this is to consider relativity.
 

1. What is the concept of wavelength associated with electrons?

The concept of wavelength associated with electrons refers to the wave-like behavior of electrons, which can be described by a wavelength value. This wavelength is related to the momentum of the electron and can be calculated using the de Broglie equation: λ = h/mv, where λ is the wavelength, h is Planck's constant, m is the mass of the electron, and v is its velocity.

2. How is the wavelength associated with electrons related to their energy?

The wavelength associated with electrons is inversely proportional to their energy. This means that as the energy of an electron increases, its wavelength decreases. This relationship is explained by the wave-particle duality principle, which states that particles like electrons can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.

3. Can the wavelength associated with electrons be measured?

Yes, the wavelength associated with electrons can be measured using various techniques, such as electron diffraction or electron microscopy. These methods involve passing electrons through a material or a series of electric and magnetic fields, which can be used to determine their wavelength and other properties.

4. What is the significance of the wavelength associated with electrons in quantum mechanics?

The concept of wavelength associated with electrons is one of the key principles of quantum mechanics. It helps to explain the behavior of electrons in various phenomena, such as the photoelectric effect and electron diffraction, and is fundamental to our understanding of the atomic and subatomic world.

5. How does the wavelength associated with electrons differ from that of light?

The wavelength associated with electrons is much smaller than that of light. While the wavelength of visible light ranges from 400 to 700 nanometers, the wavelength of electrons is typically on the order of 0.01 nanometers. Additionally, unlike light, the wavelength of electrons is affected by their mass and velocity, as described by the de Broglie equation.

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