Potential difference to acquire momentum

In summary, the given conversation discusses an electron diffraction experiment and the calculation of the momentum of an electron in a beam with a wavelength of 0.15 nm. The momentum is found to be 4.42x10^-24 kgm/s. The conversation also includes a question about the potential difference needed to accelerate an electron from rest to this momentum, with a suggested answer of 67V. However, this answer is incorrect due to the use of relativistic expressions and the assumption that the electron is traveling at the speed of light. The correct approach is to use classical expressions and the mass of the electron to find the velocity and then the potential difference.
  • #1
desmond iking
284
2

Homework Statement


Electron diffracation experiment show that the wavelength of a electron is 0.15nm. Find the momentum of the electron in the beam. ii) Through what the potential diffrenece should the electron accelerated from rest to acquire this momentum?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


λ= h/p , p=momentum
= (6.63x10^-34) / 550x10^-9
= 4.42x10^-24kgm/s
1/2 mc2
= eV

pc = 2eV
V= pc/2e

= (4.42X10^-24) ( 3x10^8) / (2 x 1.6x10^-19)
= 4143 V

but the ans is 67V ... why i am wrong?
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  • #2
The electron will not be traveling at the speed of light (quite far from it). If it was anywhere close, you would also have to use relativistic expressions. As it is, the speed is relatively low and classical expressions should be fine.
 
  • #3
The electrons are not moving at the speed of light; they are not photons. Your solution should not involve c.

Classically, the momentum is mv. You should know the value of the mass of the electron. So find v (and check to make sure it's well less that c so that relativity doesn't come into play!).

edit: Ha! Orodruin beat me to it!
 
  • #4
The wavelength of the electron is not 550 nm. Where did you get that value from?
 
  • #5
so
nasu said:
The wavelength of the electron is not 550 nm. Where did you get that value from?
sorry it's a typo... it should be 0.15x10^-9
 

Related to Potential difference to acquire momentum

What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential energy between two points in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V) and is a measure of the force that drives electric current.

What is momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, determined by its mass and velocity. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

How does potential difference affect momentum?

Potential difference does not directly affect momentum. However, it can influence an object's velocity, which in turn affects its momentum. For example, an electric field created by a potential difference can accelerate charged particles, increasing their velocity and momentum.

What is the relationship between potential difference and kinetic energy?

Potential difference can be converted into kinetic energy. When a charged particle moves through an electric field created by a potential difference, it gains kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.

How is potential difference related to electric circuits?

Potential difference is an essential concept in understanding electric circuits. It is the driving force that pushes electric charges through the circuit, allowing electricity to flow and do work. The potential difference across a circuit is typically measured using a voltmeter.

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