2002 AIPMT Dual Nature of Radiation and Matterde Broglie Wavelength Easy Question 14 of 14 in de Broglie Wavelength

If particles are moving with same velocity, then De-Broglie wavelength is maximum for : -

A Proton
B $\alpha$-particle
C Neutron
D $\beta$-particle

The answer is D.

Solution

de Broglie wavelength: $\lambda = \dfrac{h}{mv}$
For the same velocity, $\lambda \propto \dfrac{1}{m}$; the lightest particle has the longest wavelength.
Masses: $\alpha$-particle $\approx$ 4 u, proton $\approx$ 1 u, neutron $\approx$ 1 u, $\beta$-particle (electron) $\approx \dfrac{1}{1837}$ u.
The $\beta$-particle (electron) has the smallest mass.
So the de Broglie wavelength is maximum for the $\beta$-particle.

Concept Wavelength inversely proportional to mass

de Broglie Wavelength in past papers

14 questions from this chapter have appeared across 11 exam years.