Double-Slit Interference (Thank you in Advance)

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the speed of electrons passing through a pair of identical slits and the potential difference through which they were accelerated. The solution involves using equations for wavelength, frequency, kinetic energy, and potential difference, and also mentions the wave-particle duality of electrons. The final calculated values for the speed and potential difference are 5.32*10^5 m/s and 0.805 V, respectively.
  • #1
kjsingh1
3
0

Homework Statement


A beam of electrons is accelerated from rest and then passes through a pair of identical thin slits that are 2 nm apart. You observe the first double-slit interference dark fringes occurring at ±20◦ from the original direction of the beam when viewed on a distant screen.

(A) Calculate the speed of the electrons.

(B) Through what potential difference were these electrons accelerated?

Homework Equations


sin(θ)=((m+1/2)λ)/a
(a=width)

f=c/λ

v=fλ

K=.5mv^2

V(Potential Difference) = K/e

The Attempt at a Solution


(A)

sin(θ)=((m+1/2)λ)/a
λ=asin(θ)/(m+1/2)

λ=(2*10^-9m)sin(20)/(1+1/2)
λ=4.56*10^-10

V=c=speed of light? since f=c/λ

(B)

K=.5mv^2=.5(9.1*10^-31)(3*10^8)^2
K=4.095*10^-14

V=K/e
V=(4.095*10^-14)/(1.602*10^-19)

V=255617.98 ?
 
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  • #2
kjsingh1 said:

The Attempt at a Solution


(A)

sin(θ)=((m+1/2)λ)/a
λ=asin(θ)/(m+1/2)

λ=(2*10^-9m)sin(20)/(1+1/2)
λ=4.56*10^-10

V=c=speed of light? since f=c/λ

m=0 at the first minimum: The difference between the distances traveled by the two waves is just half wavelength.

Electron are particles, but at the same time they have wave properties: How is the wavelength of the electron defined?
The electron has rest mass, so it never travels with the speed of light.

ehild
 
  • #3
Oh yeah, totally forgot.

So, wavelength = h/mv

Meaning Velocity=h/mλ

So, the correct answers would be:

λ=((2*10^-9)sin(20)) / (1/2) = 1.368*10^-9 m

Vel.=(6.626*10^-34) / ((9.1*10^-31)(1.368*10^-9)) = 5.32*10^5 m/s

Then,

K=(1/2)(9.1*10^-31)(5.32*10^5 m/s)^2 = 1.289*10^-19

V(potential diff.) = (1.289*10^-19) / (1.602*10^-19) = .805 V ??

Thank you so much, I am really starting to understand this concept.
 
  • #4
Can anyone Please help me further with this??

I really need this!
 
  • #5
What is your problem? ehild
 

Related to Double-Slit Interference (Thank you in Advance)

1. What is double-slit interference?

Double-slit interference is a phenomenon that occurs when a beam of light passes through two parallel slits and produces a pattern of light and dark fringes on a screen behind the slits. This is due to the wave-like nature of light and the interference of the light waves as they pass through the slits.

2. What is the significance of double-slit interference?

Double-slit interference is significant because it provides evidence for the wave nature of light, which was a topic of debate between scientists for many years. It also has practical applications in fields such as optics and quantum mechanics.

3. What factors affect the interference pattern in double-slit experiments?

The interference pattern in double-slit experiments is affected by various factors such as the distance between the slits, the wavelength of the light, and the distance between the slits and the screen. It can also be influenced by the presence of other objects or particles in the path of the light.

4. Can double-slit interference occur with other types of waves?

Yes, double-slit interference can occur with other types of waves such as sound waves or water waves. This phenomenon is not limited to light waves and can be observed with any type of wave that exhibits interference behavior.

5. How is double-slit interference related to the concept of superposition?

Double-slit interference is related to the concept of superposition as it involves the interaction of two or more waves to create a new wave pattern. This is similar to the concept of superposition, where multiple quantum states can exist simultaneously until measured or observed.

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