Easy MCQ +4 / -1 PYQ · JEE Mains 2023

The de Broglie wavelength of an electron having kinetic energy $\mathrm{E}$ is $\lambda$. If the kinetic energy of electron becomes $\frac{E}{4}$, then its de-Broglie wavelength will be :

  1. A $\sqrt{2} \lambda$
  2. B $2 \lambda$ Correct answer
  3. C $\frac{\lambda}{2}$
  4. D $\frac{\lambda}{\sqrt{2}}$

Solution

$\lambda = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2mE}}$ <br/><br/> where $h$ is Planck's constant, $m$ is the mass of the particle, and $E$ is its kinetic energy. <br/><br/> We are given that the de Broglie wavelength of an electron with kinetic energy $E$ is $\lambda$, and we want to find the de Broglie wavelength of the same electron when its kinetic energy becomes $\frac{E}{4}$. <br/><br/> To do this, we can use the formula for the de Broglie wavelength again, but with the new kinetic energy $\frac{E}{4}$: <br/><br/> $$ \lambda' = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2m\left(\frac{E}{4}\right)}} = \frac{2h}{\sqrt{2mE}} = 2\lambda $$ <br/><br/> where we have used the fact that $\sqrt{\frac{1}{4}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{4}} = \frac{1}{2}$ to simplify the expression. <br/><br/> Therefore, the de Broglie wavelength of the electron when its kinetic energy becomes $\frac{E}{4}$ is twice its original value, or $\boxed{2\lambda}$.

About this question

Subject: Physics · Chapter: Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation · Topic: de Broglie Hypothesis

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