An alpha particle (mass = 4 amu)is moving twice as fast as a proton (mass = 1 amu).Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of the proton divided by the de Broglie wavelength of the alpha particle.
A)1/4
B)8
C)1/8
D)2
E)1/2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The de Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the momentum (mass x velocity). Since the alpha particle is moving twice as fast as the proton, its momentum is 4 amu x 2v = 8 units, while the proton's momentum is 1 amu x v = 1 unit. Therefore, the ratio of the proton's wavelength to the alpha particle's wavelength is 8.

An Alpha Particle (Mass = 4 Amu)is Moving Twice as Fast