The ratio of the de Broglie wavelengths of two identical electrons accelerated from rest through pot — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question
Question
The ratio of the de Broglie wavelengths of two identical electrons accelerated from rest through potential differences of $200 \text{ V}$ and $50 \text{ V}$ respectively is mathematically expressed as $\frac{x}{2}$. Find the exact integer value of $x$.
Answer: 1
💡 Solution & Explanation
The de Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated by potential $V$ is inversely proportional to $\sqrt{V}$, i.e., $\lambda \propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{V}}$. Therefore, $\frac{\lambda_1}{\lambda_2} = \sqrt{\frac{V_2}{V_1}} = \sqrt{\frac{50}{200}} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{4}} = \frac{1}{2}$. Given that the ratio is $\frac{x}{2}$, it follows that $x = 1$.
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