A proton and an electron are both accelerated to the same final speed. If λ_p is the de Broglie wavelength of the proton and λ_e is the de Broglie wavelength of the electron, then A) λ_p λ_e. B) λ_p = λ_e. C) λ_p

Question

A proton and an electron are both accelerated to the same final speed. If λ_p is the de Broglie wavelength of the proton and λ_e is the de Broglie wavelength of the electron, then A) λ_p > λ_e. B) λ_p = λ_e. C) λ_p < λ_e. D) Not enough data to answer this question.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The de Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the momentum. Since the proton is much more massive than the electron, for the same speed, the proton has a greater momentum, resulting in a shorter wavelength compared to the electron.

A Proton and an Electron Are Both Accelerated to the Same