If the kinetic energy of a non-relativistic free electron doubles, the frequency of its wave function changes by the factor:
B) 1/2
C) 1/4
E) 2

Question

If the kinetic energy of a non-relativistic free electron doubles, the frequency of its wave function changes by the factor:
B) 1/2 
C) 1/4 
E) 2

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of the wave function is given by the de Broglie relation, $
u = E/h$, where $E$ is the kinetic energy of the electron and $h$ is Planck's constant. If the kinetic energy doubles to $2E$, then the frequency becomes $
u' = 2E/h = 2
u$. Therefore, the frequency changes by a factor of 2, and the best choice is E).

If the Kinetic Energy of a Non-Relativistic Free Electron Doubles