Question:medium

Calculate the de-Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated through a potential difference of \(100\text{ V}\).

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For electrons accelerated through potential \(V\), quickly use \( \lambda = \dfrac{12.27}{\sqrt{V}} \) Å. This shortcut is widely used in electron diffraction and microscopy problems.
Updated On: Apr 15, 2026
  • \(1.227\ \text{Å}\)
  • \(0.1227\ \text{nm}\)
  • \(12.27\ \text{nm}\)
  • \(0.01227\ \text{nm}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to find the de-Broglie wavelength associated with an electron after it has been accelerated by a given potential difference.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The de-Broglie wavelength \( \lambda \) is given by \( \lambda = h/p \), where \( h \) is Planck's constant and \( p \) is momentum.
The kinetic energy gained by an electron accelerated through a potential \( V \) is \( K = eV \).
Since \( K = p^2/(2m) \), we have \( p = \sqrt{2mK} = \sqrt{2meV} \).
This gives the general formula: \( \lambda = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2meV}} \).
For an electron, a convenient shortcut formula exists:
\[ \lambda (\text{in Ångströms}) \approx \frac{12.27}{\sqrt{V (\text{in Volts})}} \] Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given potential difference \( V = 100 \) V.
Using the shortcut formula:
\[ \lambda = \frac{12.27}{\sqrt{100}} \, \text{Å} \] \[ \lambda = \frac{12.27}{10} \, \text{Å} \] \[ \lambda = 1.227 \, \text{Å} \] Note on options: Option (A) is \(1.227\ \text{Å}\).
Option (B) is \(0.1227\ \text{nm}\). Since \(1 \text{ nm} = 10 \text{ Å}\), \(1.227 \text{ Å}\) is equal to \(0.1227 \text{ nm}\). Both options (A) and (B) are numerically correct representations of the same length. In such cases, one must choose the most direct answer or what is conventionally used. The formula directly gives the answer in Ångströms.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The de-Broglie wavelength is \( 1.227 \, \text{Å} \).
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