Question
Question: The de-Broglie wavelength of a proton accelerated by \( 400V \) is?...
The de-Broglie wavelength of a proton accelerated by 400V is?
Solution
The potential of a proton is given as 400V . The de-Broglie wavelength of a proton can be determined from the below formula, for this the kinetic energy increases will be needed which is equal to the work done by the electric field. The mass and charge of the proton were also needed in the calculation of wavelength.
λ=mvh
λ is de-Broglie wavelength
h is Planck’s constant
m is mass of proton
v is velocity of proton
v=m2qV
q is charge of proton
V is the potential of protons.
Complete answer:
The de-Broglie wavelength has the formula of λ=mvh in which the velocity will be determined from the kinetic energy equation.
The work done to increase the potential will be equal to the kinetic energy of a proton.
The kinetic energy is given as 21mv2 and the increase in potential will be qV , by equating these both equations, qV=21mv2
The velocity can be written as v=m2qV
The potential of an electron is given as 400V
Substitute the charge of proton as 1.6×10−19 and potential as 400V , the mass of protons is 1.6×10−27
Thus, velocity is v=1.6×10−272×1.6×10−19×400=2.77×105m(sec)−1
Now, substitute this velocity in the de-Broglie wavelength
Substitute the value of Planck’s constant as 6.6×10−34
λ=(1.6×10−27)(2.77×105)6.6×10−34=1.43×10−12m
Thus, the de-Broglie wavelength of a proton accelerated by 400V is 1.43×10−12m
Note:
The work done to increase the electric field is the product of the charge and potential of a proton. It should be equated with the kinetic energy of a proton. From these equations only the velocity can be determined. The velocity must be in metres per second to obtain the wavelength in metres.