Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 6: Problem 48

Give at least one argument in support of the matterwave hypothesis.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The double-slit experiment provides strong evidence for the matterwave hypothesis, also known as wave-particle duality, by demonstrating that particles have both particle-like and wave-like properties. In the experiment, particles such as electrons or photons pass through two slits, creating an interference pattern on a detector behind the barrier. This pattern is similar to those formed by light waves, indicating that particles also exhibit wave-like behavior. The interference pattern cannot be explained by classical particle behavior alone, supporting the notion that particles have wave-like properties in addition to their particle-like characteristics.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the double-slit experiment

The double-slit experiment is a fundamental experiment in quantum mechanics that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of particles. In this experiment, particles (such as electrons or photons) are sent one at a time toward a barrier with two slits. When a detector is placed behind the barrier, an interference pattern is observed, similar to the pattern created by light waves passing through two slits.
02

Explain the particle-behavior of particles

Particles, like electrons and photons, exhibit particle-like behavior because they can be visualized as discrete points and can be localized in space. They also have properties like mass and charge, and they follow well-defined trajectories when they are subjected to external forces (such as gravity or electromagnetic fields).
03

Explain the wave-behavior of particles

Particles also exhibit wave-like behavior, which is evident in the double-slit experiment. When particles pass through the two slits, an interference pattern is formed on the detector behind the barrier. This pattern is similar to the one formed by light waves passing through two slits, indicating that particles have wave-like properties.
04

Present the argument in support of the matterwave hypothesis

The double-slit experiment provides strong evidence for the matterwave hypothesis. It demonstrates that particles have both particle-like and wave-like properties, which can only be explained by acknowledging the wave-particle duality of particles. The interference pattern observed in the experiment cannot be explained using classical particle behavior alone, and therefore supports the notion that particles have wave-like properties as well.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Why is the wave-like nature of matter not observed every day for macroscopic objects?

A 400-nm violet light ejects photoelectrons with a maximum kinetic energy of 0.860 eV from sodium photoelectrode. What is the work function of sodium?

What is the longest wavelength of radiation that can eject a photoelectron from potassium, given the work function of potassium 2.24 eV? Is it in the visible range?

The work function for barium is 2.48 eV. Find the maximum kinetic energy of the ejected photo electrons when the barium surface is illuminated with: (a) radiation emitted by a 100 -kW radio station broadcasting at 800 \(\mathrm{kHz} ;\) (b) a 633 -nm laser light emitted from a powerful HeNe laser; and (c) a 434-nm blue light emitted by a small hydrogen gas discharge tube.

A sodium lamp emits 2.0 W of radiant energy, most of which has a wavelength of about \(589 \mathrm{nm} .\) Estimate the number of photons emitted per second by the lamp.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Read Explanation

Electricity and Magnetism

Read Explanation

Torque and Rotational Motion

Read Explanation

Engineering Physics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Physics

Read Explanation

Turning Points in Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free