Question:medium

The mass of an electron is \(9.1\times10^{-31}\ \text{kg}\). If its K.E. is \(3.0\times10^{-25}\ \text{J}\), its wavelength is (approximately):

Show Hint

When performing rapid calculations in competitive exams, simplify the power of ten first:
Here, the denominator power of ten is $\sqrt{10^{-56}} = 10^{-28}$.
Dividing $10^{-34}$ by $10^{-28}$ gives $10^{-6}\text{ m}$ (which is in the range of hundreds of nanometers). This instantly helps narrow down the choices.
Updated On: May 28, 2026
  • $250\text{ nm}$
  • $990\text{ nm}$
  • $400\text{ nm}$
  • $850\text{ nm}$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
According to de Broglie's hypothesis, any moving particle has an associated wavelength given by $\lambda = h/p$.
Momentum ($p$) and kinetic energy ($K$) are related by the expression $K = p^2 / (2m)$, which can be rewritten as $p = \sqrt{2mK}$.
By substituting this into the de Broglie wavelength formula, we can calculate the wavelength directly from the mass and kinetic energy.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \lambda = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2mK}} \]
Where:
- $h \approx 6.626 \times 10^{-34}$ J s (Planck's constant).
- $m = 9.1 \times 10^{-31}$ kg (mass of electron).
- $K = 3.0 \times 10^{-25}$ J (kinetic energy).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's plug the values into the equation:
First, calculate the term inside the square root ($2mK$):
$2 \times (9.1 \times 10^{-31} \text{ kg}) \times (3.0 \times 10^{-25} \text{ J}) = 54.6 \times 10^{-56} \text{ kg}^2 \text{ m}^2 / \text{ s}^2$.
Now, take the square root of this value:
$\sqrt{54.6 \times 10^{-56}} = \sqrt{54.6} \times 10^{-28} \approx 7.39 \times 10^{-28} \text{ kg m/s}$.
Now, calculate the wavelength ($\lambda$):
$\lambda = \frac{6.626 \times 10^{-34}}{7.39 \times 10^{-28}}$
$\lambda \approx 0.8966 \times 10^{-6} \text{ m}$.
To convert this to nanometers ($1 \text{ nm} = 10^{-9} \text{ m}$):
$\lambda \approx 896.6 \text{ nm}$.
Looking at the choices provided, the closest approximate value is $850$ nm. (Slight variations in approximations for $h$ or square roots might shift the value slightly, but 850 is the correct intended answer in the context of the options).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The de Broglie wavelength of the electron is approximately 850 nm. The correct option is (D).
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