Electrons moving in a beam have the same de Broglie wavelength as protons moving in a separate beam. The proton beam moves at a speed of 3.1 x 10^4 m/s. What is the speed of the electrons?

From the data sheet, the de Broglie wavelength, šœ† = h/p = h/(mv)
The electron wavelength equals the proton wavelength so: šœ†e = šœ†p
So: h/(meve) = h/(mpvp)
meve = mpvp
so the electron speed, ve = (mpvp)/me
From the data sheet, the rest mass of an electron and a proton respectively are: me = 9.11x10-31kg, and: mp = 1.67x10-27kg
Subbing these values along with the proton speed from the question gives:
ve = (1.67x10-27 x 3.1x104)/( 9.11x10-31)
ve = 5.7x107ms-1

AG
Answered by Alexandra G. • Physics tutor

3475 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ā–ø

Describe how the average density of matter in the universe affects its ultimate fate?


Why does a single slit diffraction pattern occur?


Imagine a ball rolls off a set of stairs with horizontal velocity, u; the stairs have a height, h and length of l. Find a formula for which step the ball will hit, n.


A ball is kicked off a cliff at a height of 20m above ground and an angle of 30 degree from the horizontal, it follows projectile motion and lands after a time t. Its velocity at the maximum height it reaches is 20m/s, how long does it take it to land?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

Ā© 2026 by IXL Learning