A particle of kinetic energy 50 eV in free space travels into a region with a potential well of depth 40 eV. What happens to its wavelength?
A)It remains the same.
B)It increases in the region of the well.
C)It decreases in the region of the well.
D)It cannot be determined from the information given.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The de Broglie wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to its momentum. As the particle enters the potential well, its kinetic energy decreases, and hence its momentum decreases. Therefore, its wavelength increases.

A Particle of Kinetic Energy 50 EV in Free Space