2.6 Wave-Particle Duality

Question 1

What is a quantum

Answer 1

a discrete amount of energy

Question 2

What is wave-particle duality

Answer 2

Refers to the fact that particles with momentum sometimes exhibit wave properties, while in certain phenomena waves exhibit the properties of particles

Question 3

Describe the diffraction pattern obtained by the graphite experiment

Answer 3

A series of concentric rings

Question 4

What causes electrons to diffract when passed thru the crystal of graphite

Answer 4

They pass between spaces separating planes of atoms

Question 5

Why is it necessary to use fast electrons in the graphite expt

Answer 5

The faster the electrons, the smaller their wavelength. Electrons had to be fast enough for their de Broglie wavelength to be comparable to the spacing between the atomic plates in the target metal.

Question 6

How does the de broglie equation like to the wave-particle duality of fast electrons?

Answer 6

The wavelength relates to the wave-like nature of electrons and momentum relates to their particle like nature