A proton and an electron each have the same de Broglie wavelength.(i)Which has the greater speed,and (ii)which has the greater kinetic energy?
A)(i)the electron, (ii)Either one can have the greater kinetic energy.
B)(i)the proton, (ii)Either one can have the greater kinetic energy.
C)(i)the electron, (ii)the electron
D)(i)the proton, (ii)the proton

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The de Broglie wavelength formula is λ = h/p, where λ is the wavelength, h is Planck's constant, and p is momentum. Since momentum p = mv (mass times velocity), for the same wavelength, a smaller mass (electron) must have a higher velocity than a larger mass (proton). For kinetic energy, KE = 1/2 mv^2, the electron's higher velocity squared, despite its smaller mass, can result in greater kinetic energy.

A Proton and an Electron Each Have the Same De