Quantum Physics Chapter 28

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Questions and Answers

How does the de Broglie wavelength of electrons relate to their ability to be diffracted by atomic planes?

The de Broglie wavelength of electrons is comparable to atomic spacing, allowing them to be diffracted by matter.

What is the relationship between the potential difference (p.d.) and the energy of an electron beam?

The energy of each electron is equal to the charge of the electron multiplied by the potential difference in electron volts (eV).

Can the concept of electron diffraction be used to identify a sample metal? If so, how?

Yes, electron diffraction patterns can be analyzed to reveal the crystal structure and spacings of the atoms in a metal sample.

Calculate the speed of an electron that has been accelerated from rest through a p.d. of 1.0 kV.

The speed can be calculated using the relation $KE = rac{1}{2} mv^2$, resulting approximately in $1.32 \times 10^7 m/s$. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected de Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated through a 1.0 kV p.d.?

The de Broglie wavelength is approximately $1.24 \times 10^{-10} m$, which is comparable to atomic spacings. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of electron beam diffraction, what happens if the atomic spacing of a metal is 0.25 × 10−9 m?

The beam would experience significant diffraction because the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons matches the atomic spacing. Signup and view all the answers

How might the wave properties of electrons differ from larger objects like a person?

Unlike electrons, the de Broglie wavelength of a 65 kg person is far too small to observe diffraction effects through everyday gaps. Signup and view all the answers

What practical applications utilize the concept of electron diffraction in materials science?

Electron diffraction is used to investigate the atomic structure, identify phases, and analyze crystal orientations in materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the work function of a metal, and how does it relate to the photoelectric effect?

The work function of a metal is the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from its surface. It is crucial for the photoelectric effect, as incident photons must have energy greater than the work function to eject electrons from the metal. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a practical application of the photoelectric effect in modern technology.

One application of the photoelectric effect is in solar panels, where photons excite electrons, generating electricity. This technology harnesses light energy for power generation. Signup and view all the answers

How is the momentum of photons related to their energy and the speed of light?

The momentum of a photon is given by the equation $p = \frac{E}{c}$, where $E$ is the energy of the photon and $c$ is the speed of light. Thus, higher energy photons possess greater momentum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pressure exerted by light on a surface, and how can it be calculated?

The pressure exerted by light on a surface can be calculated using the formula $P = \frac{I}{c}$, where $P$ is the pressure, $I$ is the intensity of light, and $c$ is the speed of light. This phenomenon demonstrates radiation pressure effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the work function of a metal and why is it significant in the context of the photoelectric effect?

The work function is the minimum energy required to remove an electron from a metal surface, which is significant because it determines whether light of a certain frequency can cause photoemission. Signup and view all the answers

How do you calculate the energy of a photon using its frequency?

The energy of a photon can be calculated using the equation $E = hf$, where $E$ is the energy, $h$ is the Planck constant, and $f$ is the frequency of the photon. This relationship highlights the quantized nature of electromagnetic radiation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the de Broglie wavelength in the context of electron diffraction.

The de Broglie wavelength signifies that particles, like electrons, exhibit wave-like properties, allowing them to undergo diffraction. This phenomenon is crucial for validating wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics. Signup and view all the answers

How is the momentum of a photon related to its energy, and what is the equation that describes this relationship?

The momentum of a photon is directly proportional to its energy and is given by the equation $p = \frac{E}{c}$, where $E$ is the energy and $c$ is the speed of light. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the pressure exerted by light, and how can it be experimentally demonstrated?

Light exerts pressure due to the momentum it carries, which can be experimentally demonstrated using a light sail that moves when light from a laser hits it. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the spacing between atomic layers in a material play in electron diffraction?

The spacing between atomic layers acts as a diffraction grating, allowing the electrons to create interference patterns as they diffract. This spacing is comparable to the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the equation used to calculate the energy of a photon, and how does it relate to its frequency?

The energy of a photon can be calculated using the equation $E = hf$, where $h$ is Planck's constant and $f$ is the frequency of the photon. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Planck constant important in the context of wave-particle duality?

The Planck constant links the energy of photons to their frequency through the equation $E = hf$, illustrating the relationship between wave and particle behaviors. It is fundamental in quantum mechanics for describing the scale at which quantum effects occur. Signup and view all the answers

How does the wave-particle duality of light and electrons contribute to our understanding of quantum mechanics?

Wave-particle duality is fundamental to quantum mechanics, suggesting that particles like light and electrons exhibit properties of both waves and particles, impacting phenomena such as interference and diffraction. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the de Broglie wavelength play in understanding the behavior of electrons?

The de Broglie wavelength describes the wave-like nature of electrons, relating their wavelength to their momentum and helping visualize electron behavior in quantum mechanics. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the concept of the work function helps to determine the threshold frequency for photoemission from a metal.

The threshold frequency is the minimum frequency needed for photons to have energy greater than the work function, ensuring that electrons can escape the metal surface. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

de Broglie equation

The equation relating the wavelength of a particle to its momentum.

Planck constant (h)

A fundamental constant appearing in equations relating energy and frequency (E=hf), and also in the de Broglie equation.