Question:easy

The de-Broglie wavelength of an electron moving in the \(n^{th}\) Bohr orbit of radius 'r' is

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In the nth Bohr orbit the circumference holds n de Broglie wavelengths.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(nπr\)
  • \(\frac{nr}{π}\)
  • \(\frac{2πr}{n}\)
  • \(\frac{nr}{2π}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Start with Bohr's rule
$mvr = \dfrac{nh}{2\pi}$.

Step 2: Use $\lambda = \dfrac{h}{mv}$
Then $mv = \dfrac{h}{\lambda}$, so $\dfrac{h}{\lambda}r = \dfrac{nh}{2\pi}$.

Step 3: Simplify
$\lambda = \dfrac{2\pi r}{n}$.

Step 4: Check
For $n = 1$, one wavelength fits the circumference, as for a standing wave.

Step 5: Link to Bohr quantisation
The condition $2\pi r = n\lambda$ shows that the allowed orbits are those where a whole number of de Broglie waves fits around the circle. For $n = 2$ the circumference holds exactly two wavelengths. The options with $n\pi r$ or $\frac{nr}{\pi}$ give wavelengths that do not scale properly with the circumference.

Final Answer:
The wavelength is 2 pi r / n. This is option (C). \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\frac{2\pi r}{n}} \]
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