Table 1 shows results of an experiment to investigate how the de Broglie wavelength $ar{\lambda}$ of an electron varies with its velocity $v$ - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Table 1 shows results of an experiment to investigate how the de Broglie wavelength $ar{\lambda}$ of an electron varies with its velocity $v$.
| $v / 10^7 \, \text... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Table 1 shows results of an experiment to investigate how the de Broglie wavelength $ar{\lambda}$ of an electron varies with its velocity $v$ - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Show that the data in Table 1 are consistent with the relationship $\bar{\lambda} \propto \frac{1}{v}$
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Answer
To analyze how the de Broglie wavelength λˉ varies with velocity v, we start with the de Broglie equation:
λˉ=mvh
Where:
h is Planck's constant
m is the mass of the electron
From the table:
For v=1.5×107ms−1,λˉ=4.9×10−11m
For v=2.5×107ms−1,λˉ=2.9×10−11m
For v=3.5×107ms−1,λˉ=2.1×10−11m
Calculating the ratio of values:
The ratios of λˉ to v indicate a relationship where λˉ decreases as v increases, affirming λˉ∝v1.
Step 2
Calculate a value for the Planck constant suggested by the data in Table 1
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Answer
Using two sets of data from Table 1 to estimate Planck's constant:
For v=1.5×107ms−1 and λˉ=4.9×10−11m:
Substituting into de Broglie equation:
h=λˉ⋅mv⟹h=(4.9×10−11m)(9.11×10−31kg)(1.5×107ms−1).
By averaging the two values obtained for h, an appropriate estimate can be determined.
Step 3
Explain how the pattern produced on the screen supports the idea that the electron beam is behaving as a wave rather than as a stream of particles.
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Answer
The interference pattern observed on the screen indicates that the electrons exhibit wave-like behavior. This is characterized by:
Fringe Patterns: The alternating light and dark bands on the fluorescent screen suggest constructive and destructive interference, typical of waves interacting rather than particles traveling independently.
Diffraction Effects: Waves spread out after passing through the graphite, consistent with wave motion, reinforcing the notion that the electron beam can be treated as a wave.
These observations collectively imply that the electrons are demonstrating wave properties, evidenced by the produced interference pattern.
Step 4
Explain how the emission of light from the fluorescent screen shows that the electrons incident on it are behaving as particles.
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Answer
The emission of light from the fluorescent screen when electrons strike it indicates particle-like behavior because:
Localized Interaction: When electrons collide with the screen material, they deposit their energy, producing light. This is characteristic of particle interactions where energy is transferred upon impact.
Discrete Emission Events: The light emitted is often bright, suggesting that each electron impact emits a photon, supporting the concept of electrons behaving like discrete particles.
Thus, the particle nature of electrons is demonstrated by the localized energy transfer resulting in visible light emission.