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Wave Optics

Question
CBSEENPH12038478

Obtain the de-Broglie wavelength of a neutron of kinetic energy 150 eV. As you have seen in Question 11.31, an electron beam of this energy is suitable for crystal diffraction experiments. Would a neutron beam of the same energy be equally suitable? Explain. Given (mn = 1.675 x 10–27 kg.)

Solution
Here,
Kinetic energy, K.E. of neutron, E = 150 eV = 150 x 1.6 x 10
–19 J,
Mass of neutron, m = 1.675 x 10–27 kg. 

We know, K.E. of neutron, 

E = 12mv2    or   mv = 2Em 

        λ = hmv = h2Em
               = 6.63 × 10-342 × 150 × 1.6 × 10-19 × 1.675 × 10-27 = 2.33 × 10-12m.

The interatomic spacing ~ 1 Å (= 10
–10 m) is about a hundred times greater than this wavelength. Therefore, a neutron beam of energy 150 eV is not suitable for diffraction experiment.

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