QUANTUM MECHANICS

Failure of classical mechanics:

Classical mechanics (Newtons laws and electromagnetic theory) fail to explain the
phenomenon like radioactivity, photoemission, x-rays etc. New ideas were introduced to
explain the parade axis. The new formalism, used to explain the microscopic phenomenon is
known as quantum mechanics.
1.

Black body radiation:

A perfectly black body is one which absorbs all the radiations incident on it and emits
the same when it is heated to various temperatures. The distribution of energy in the spectrum
of a black body is shown in the figure below.
The following conclusions are
uv
drawn from figure.
region
(i) At a given temperature the
1646K
Rayleigh-Jeans
energy
is
uniformly
region
Wiens
distributed.
region
(ii) For a given temperature the
1095K
intensity
of
radiation
increases with wavelength I
904K
reaches a maximum, for a
particular
wavelength
beyond which intensity
decreases.
max max max
(iii) As
the
temperature

increases maximum shifts

towards shorter wavelength region.
(iv) The area under each curve represents the total energy emitted.
The classical law proposed by Wien is max = constant or Emax = constant T 5
where max is the wavelength corresponding to Emax or Imax. T is absolute temperature.
This law succeeded in explaining the shorter wavelength region of the black body
8KT
where K is Boltzmanns
4
constant, T is absolute temperature, is the wavelength of the emitted radiation. These laws
succeeded in explaining the longer wavelength region of the black body spectrum. None of
the classical laws succeeded in explaining the u-v region of the black body spectrum, which
is popularly known as ultra violet catastrophe.
Max plank introduced a new hypothesis to explain the entire region of the black body
spectrum. He assumed the particles emitted are considered as (simple) harmonic oscillators
and the energy associated with each photon (quanta) is E = h , where h is planks constant,
is the frequency of emitted radiation.

spectrum. The law proposed by Rayleigh and Jeans is E

2.

Stability of the atom and atomic spectra:

According to Rutherford the entire mass and positive charge of the atom is
concentrated in a small region called the nucleus. The electrons revolve round the nucleus in
orbits. The electrostatic force of attraction between electron and the nucleus is compensated
by centrifugal force.

1
Ze 2 mv 2
2
4 0 r
r

where Ze = charge on the nucleus, r = radius of orbit, e = electric charge

1.6 10

19

v = velocity of electron, 0 permitivity of free space.

The orbital motion of the electron cause continuous emission of radiation. The above
facts support the stability of the atom. The emission of energy is possible only if an electron
is an accelerated charge, according to classical physics. Then the electron cannot stay in a
circular orbit but it follows a spiral orbit of decreasing radius and finally falling to the
nucleus. It is contradiction to the observed stability of the atom. According to classical
mechanic an exited atom continuously emit radiations of all wavelengths. This is
contradictory to the observed discrete spectra of Hydrogen atom. Bohr introduced Quantum
ideas to explain the stability of the atom and the discrete spectral lines. According to him
stability can be achieved by (angular momentum) mvr

nh
where
2

m mass of electron,

v velocity of electron, r radius of the atom, n integer (number of energy levels),

planks constant.
The spectral lines of hydrogen atom can be explained by using the relation
1
1
1
R 2 2 where R Rydbergs constant, n1 and n 2 various energy state.

n1 n2

3.

Photoelectric effect:
According to classical ideas, radiation consists of oscillating electric and magnetic
fields. The intensity of radiation is being proportional to energy E . The force exerted on
the electron is eE i.e., F eE where e is the electronic charge. Therefore the kinetic
energy of the emitted electron should depend on the intensity of radiation. This is
contradiction to the experimental facts. Also classical physics fails to explain the existence of
threshold frequency and to explain the instantaneous nature of photo emission. All the above
facts were successfully explained by Einstein using the relation

12 mv
2

max

= h

where

12 mv
2

max

= Kinetic energy of an emitted electron,

h planks constant, = frequency of incident radiation, 0 = threshold frequency.

4.

Compton scattering:
According to classical theory when a beam of X rays incident on matter. The
scattered X ray should possess the same wavelength as the incident one. The scattering
constant is found to be independent of the incident radiation. The distribution of scattered
X ray intensity should be symmetrical.
The experimental observations revels the following:
(i) The scattering constant was found to depend on the wavelength of the incident X rays .
(ii) The scattered radiation was found to consists of two wavelength. One same as that of
incident wavelength and the other a longer wavelength.
(iii) The distribution of scattered intensity is not symmetrical.
5.

Specific heat of Solids:

Specific heat of a solid is defined as
It is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of unit mass of a substance
through one degree centigrade.

The classical physics predicts that all solids have the same and temperature
independent molar specific heats (= 3R).
Dulong and Pettits law showed that at room temperature, Atomic weight Specific
heat = 6.4 (Atomic specific heat). But in the case of diamond and silicon it is not true (For
these two specific heat increases with temperature). The experiment showed specific heat
decreases slowly with fall of temperature and finally tends to zero at absolute zero at 0 K.
This is contradictory to Dulong and Pettits law.
The experimental observations were successfully explained quantum mechanically by
Einstein.
de

Broglie waves or matter waves:

de Broglie suggested that particles like electrons, protons, neutrons etc exhibit dual

nature i.e., material particle can behave both as wave as well as particle. He proposed the
following assumptions.
(i)

The Universe is made up of particles and radiations. These entities must be

symmetrical.
(ii) Nature loves symmetry.
According to de Broglie, moving particle can be associated with a wave. The

waves associated with (material) moving particle are known as de

matter waves.
Expression for de

Broglie waves or

Broglie wave:

According to Quantum theory of radiation, the energy associated with a photon is

given by
E = h where h planks constant, = frequency of incident radiation
We know that =

wavelength, c velocity of light.

The equation becomes,
Eh

c
.....................(1)

According to Einstein, mass and energy are inter-convertibles.

E mc 2 .....................(2)
where m mass of the particle.
From equations (1) and (2)
mc 2 h

h
mc

h
p

where p mc the momentum of photon.

If the material particle of mass m moving with a velocity v then the wavelength
associated with the particle is given by

Different forms of de

h
...................(3)
mv

Broglie equations for wavelength:

Consider a beam of electrons travelling through a potential difference V , then the

electrons acquire kinetic energy
1
mv 2 eV
2

where

e is the electronic charge.

m 2 v 2 2meV

Equation (3) becomes

2meV

According to kinetic theory of gases,

1
3
mv 2 KT
2
2

where K Boltzmanns constant, T absolute temperature

m 2 v 2 3mKT

Equation (3) becomes

h
3mKT

de Broglie wavelength for a particle moving a wave with very high speed or
velocity. The mass of moving particle is given by
m0
m
v2
1 2
c
m

where
mass of moving particle, m0 rest mass of particle, v velocity with
which particle moving.
Equation (3) becomes,

h
v2
1 2
m0 c
c

Note: Wavelength associated with an electron of mass 9.1 10 31 Kg

2meV
12.28

A
V

6.625 10 34
2 9.1 10

31

1.6 10

1
19

P Thomsons experiment:
Electron beam

Cathode

Photo
graphic
plate

D1 D2
C

A
Screen

Aluminium
cylinder

Gold foil

Diffraction
pattern

Construction and working:

High energy electrons produced by a cathode are passed through two perforated discs
(D1, D2) to get a narrow beam and then passed through an aluminium cylinder which serves
as an anode. While passing through the aluminium cylinder electrons get accelerated to very

high velocities. This high energy electron beam is made incident on a gold foil, which act as a
diffraction grating. The diffraction pattern is obtained on the screen.
Theory:
High energy electrons on passing through a thin poly crystalline gold foil undergo
Braggs reflection and form a series of rings on the photographic plate (screen).
According to Braggs law
2d sin n
where n order of the diffraction pattern, d spacing between the layers where the
atoms are accommodated. The incident beam AB passes through the film at B. BP is the
reflected beam. Let OP= R & BO = l .
From figure , PBO= 2 , where = glancing angle

For small angle, sin

2d n ..............(1)
From le BOP
tan 2 2

OP
OB

R
l
R

2l
2

Equation (1) becomes,

R
n
2l
For the order n 1
Rd

l
2d

The wavelength calculated from this relation is in good agreement with wavelength
calculated using the relation

Davisson

12.28
A
V

Germer experiment:
D1

D2
E

A
L.T

Incident electron beam

Scattered electron beam

H.T
L.T = Low tension battery
H.T = High tension battery
N = Nickel crystal
E = Electron gun
A = Aluminium cylinder

R = Ionization chamber
S = Circular scale
F = Filament
G = Galvanometer

D1, D2 = Aluminium diaphragms

Construction:

Davisson Germer experiment consists of an electron gun in which thermal

electrons are produced by heating the filament using low tension battery. Two aluminium
diaphragms D, D are used to collimate the electron beam, which is then accelerated by an
anode (A). Electrons ejected from the electron gun are made to be incident on a single crystal
Nickel (Ni) which can be rotated horizontally by means of a handle H. The scattered
electrons are received by the ionisation chamber, which is connected to a sensitive
galvanometer. The ionisation chamber is moved along a circular scale with the crystal N at
its centre to measure the current.
Working: This experiment can be performed by
a. Normal incidence method
b. Oblique incidence method
a. Normal incidence method:
A known potential difference is applied between the filament F and anode A. The
ionisation chamber is set at different angles and for each scattering angle the current is noted.
The current is proportional to the number of electrons entering the chamber per second. For
each scattering angle the ionisation current was noted. As the variation involves angular
changes, a plot using polar co-ordinates is well suited for studying dependence of current on
scattering atom.
Initially the accelerating potential was kept at 40V. The variation was found to be

Direction of
incident beam

V = 40V

V = 44V

Fig(i)

Fig(ii)

V = 54V
= 50o

Fig(iii)

V = 68V

Fig(iv)

A smooth curve (without any hump) as shown in the fig(i). When the experiment was
repeated with accelerating potentials at 44V, 54V and 68V the graph were shown in fig(ii),
fig(iii) and fig(iv). As the accelerating potential increases a distinct hump was formed and it
was more pronounced for = 500 and V= 54V. Above 54V the hump was declined and
faded away.
Theory:
If e is the change on the electron then the kinetic energy is given by
1
mv 2 eV
2

Where v is the velocity, V is volts (potentials)

m 2 v 2 2meV
mv

2meV

According to de-Broglie

h
mv
h
2meV
6.625 10 34

2 9.1 10 31 1.6 10 19 54
1.66 10 10 m
1.66 A

If electron behaves like a wave

2d sin n
where d is the lattice space for (1,1,1) plane for Nickel, d = 2.15 A
For normal incidence, we have d sin n , n = 1

d sin
2.15 10 10 sin 50
1.65A

This proves wave particle duality of an electron.

b. Oblique incidence method:
The accelerating potential
kept at 60V, the galvanometer
deflections are noted at different
glancing angle. A graph of
galvanometer deflection versus
glancing angle is plotted as
shown above. As seen from the
graph the maxima are observed at
31 and 62 .
For oblique incidence

Deflection

31o
Glancing angle

62o

2d sin 1 n

2d sin 2 n 1

2d sin 2 sin 1

2 2.15 10 10 sin 62 sin 31

1.58A
The theoretical value of wavelength () is given by

12.28

A
60
1.58A

Experimental and theoretical values of wavelength are in good agreement with each
other.
Properties of de
1.

Broglie wave:

To arrive at Bohrs postulate from de

Broglie wave.

De Broglie concept of matter waves

provide a theoretical explanation to Bohrs

postulate. According to de Broglie the

electron is not a particle (moving mass). But it
moves as a wave as shown in the above
figure.
If the wave train is in phase, the
circumference of the circle (orbit) is an
integral multiple of wavelength.
2 r n

(1)
According to de

2 r
n

....................

Broglie,

h
mv

From equation (1)

2 r
h

n
mv
nh
mvr
2

(The angular momentum of an orbital electron is an integral multiple of h

2.

De Broglie wavelength of a particle at relativistic velocity.

According to Einsteins theory of relativity
m0
m
v2
1 2
c
where m0 rest mass of the particle
m mass of the particle moving with the velocity v .
v particle velocity
c velocity of light.
According to De Broglie

2 )

3.

h
mv

h
v2
1 2
m0 v
c

Phase velocity of a De

Broglie wave.
h

According to De Broglie,
mv
If be the frequency of a matter wave then
E h mc 2
2
mc

Broglie wave is given by

h

The phase velocity of a De

vP

mc 2 h
h mv
2
c
vP
v
vP

4.

Group velocity.
A particle of mass moving with a velocity v is thought of to be a group of waves
moving in a single direction. The velocity with which the energy transported is called Group
velocity.
A wave pocket consists of a group of waves the amplitude and phases are
constructively interfere over a very small region of space in which particle can be located.
Just outside this pocket they interfere destructively and the amplitude tends to zero.
Consider a free particle of mass m having
phase velocity v P and group velocity ' v g ' . If
be the de

Broglie wavelengthh then

mv g ...............(1)

The phase velocity is given by v P ................(2)

The energy of a particle is given by
Eh

1
2
mv g
2
2

mv g .....................(3)
2h
Substitute equation (1) and (3) in equation (2)
mvg 2 h
vP
2h mvg
vP

1
vg
2

HEISENBERGS UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE:

It is impossible to determine simultaneously both position and momentum of a particle
accurately.
If x and p are the uncertainties in position and momentum of a particle respectively
then
x p

or

h
2

Heisenbergs uncertainty principle can also be stated as In any simultaneous determination

of energy and time in a physical process, the product of corresponding uncertainties is equal
to or greater than .
If E and t are uncertainties in energy and time of a particle respectively then
E t
Gamma

Ray microscopic experiment

Microscope
Objective
A
B

Consider a photon from a source S incident on electrons. Some of these electrons

bounce into microscope. This will enable the observer to see the flash of light and thus to
determine position and momentum of the electronElectron
simultaneously. But the accuracy in
determining the position of electron by a microscope is limited by limit of resolution of the
microscope. If x is the least distance between two points in the field of view which can be
distinguished as separate. Then

x
2n sin
where n is the refractive index of the medium between the object and objective.
when n 1 (i.e., in air medium)

x 2 sin
................(1)

This means that if the position of the electron changes by x, the microscope will not
be able to detect it. x is made as small as possible by illuminating the electrons by radiations

of very short wavelength such as rays.

When photon interacts with electron, there is a recoil of the electron and hence its
h
momentum changes. Initial momentum of the photon is given by
where is the

frequency of radiation.
The photon undergoes scattering in the direction of OA and makes an angle with
the incident direction. In turn the electron recoils with a velocity v in a direction OB
making an angle with the incident direction.
According to the law of conservation of momentum

h h '

cos mv cos
c
c
h h '
mv cos

cos
c
c
h
mv cos ( ' cos )
c

The scattering angle can be vary from 90 to 90 .

h
[ ' cos 90 ]
c
h
mv cos ' [ ' cos 90 ]
c
p x mv cos ' mv cos

mv cos

p x ' cos 90 ' cos 90

c

h
p x ' sin ' sin
c
2h '
p x
sin ..............(2)
c

Multiplying equation (1) and (2), we get

2h ' sin

2 sin
c

'

x p x h

' 1
h

x p x
since
c
'
'

x p x

x p x

Illustartion: . Why electrons does not exist inside the nucleus?

We know that the radius of nucleus is of the order of 10 14 m. This means that the
uncertainty for an electron to be confined inside the nucleus cannot exceed the diameter of
the nucleus. Therefore x 2 10 14 m.
According to Heisenbergs principle,
x p x

h
2

h
2 x
6.625 10 34
p x
2 3.14 2 10 14
p x 0.527 10 20 Kgms 1
p x

K .E E

p2
2m

0.527 10
E

20 2

9.1 10 31 2
E 97 MeV
But the maximum energy of an electron in atom is of the order of 4MeV. Hence
electrons cannot exist inside the nucleus.

PROBLEMS:
1.
Calculate the de
a potential of 60 V.
Solution:

Broglie wavelength associated with an electron accelerated by

12.28
A
V
12.28

A
60

1.585A

2.
Calculate the de Broglie wavelength associated with a marble of mass 10gms
moving with a velocity 1000 cm/s.
Solution:
h 6.625 10 34 J
m 10 10 3 Kg

v 1000 10 2 m / s
h

mv
6.625 10 34

10 10 3 1000 10 2
66.25 10 34 m

3.Calculate the wavelength associated with an electron of energy 200 eV.

Solution:

h
2mE

where E is the kinetic energy

h 6.625 10 34 Js
m 9.1 10 31 Kg
E 200 1.6 10 19 J

6.625 10 34

2 9.1 10 31 200 1.6 10 19

0.87 A

4.A proton of mass 1.67 10 27 Kg has a wavelength of 0.5Ao. Calculate the energy in
eV.
Solution:

h
2mE

h2
2mE
h2
E
2 m 2

h 6.625 10 34 Js
m 9.1 10 31 Kg
E 200 1.6 10 19 J

6.625 10
E
2 1.67 10 0.5 10
34 2

27

10 2

E 5.2564 10 20 J
5.2564 10 20
E
1.6 10 19
E 0.328eV

5.Calculate the wavelength associated with a thermal neutron at 300K. Given

that mass of a neutron is 1.67 10 27 Kg and Boltzmanns constant is
1.38 10 23 J/K.
Solution:
1
3
mv 2 KT
2
2
m 2v 2

3KTm

h
mv

h
3mKT
6.625 10 34

3 1.67 10 27 1.38 10 23 300

1 .4 A

6. Calculate the de

Broglie wavelength of a proton moving with 1 20

th

of velocity

of light. Given mass m 1.67 10 27 Kg.

Solution:

h
mv
6.625 10 34
1
8
1.67 10 27
3 10
20

26.44 10 15 m

Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of 143 V electron. Also calculate Braggs

angle for the first order reflection from (1,1,1) plane of a Nickel for which
d 1.24A .
Solution:
7.

h
2meV
h
2mE

6.625 10 34

2 9.1 10 31 E

Where E 143V
E 143 1.6 10 19
E 2.288 10 17

6.625 10 34

2 9.1 10 31 2.288 10 17
1.027A

2d sin

2d
1.027 10 10
sin
2 1.24 10 10
sin 0.414113
sin

24.46

8.

Calculate the de

m 1.67 10

27

Broglie wavelength associated with a neutron at

Kg

Solution:

0C

h
3mKT
6.625 10 34

3 1.67 10 27 1.38 10 23 273

1.52A

Calculate the wavelength of an electron having kinetic energy 1.5 MeV. Given
that mass of electron is 9.1 10 31 Kg.
Solution:
9.

h
2meV

6.625 10 34

2 9.1 10 31 1.5 10 6 1.6 10 19

0.01A

10.

10 KV electrons are passed through a thin film of a metal for which atomic

spacing is 5.5 10 11 m. Calculate the de Broglie wavelength and what is the

angle of deviation from the first order diffraction pattern?
Solution:
eV E 10 10 3 1.6 10 19 J

h
2meV

6.625 10 34

2 9.1 10 31 10 10 3 1.6 10 19
0.1227 A

2d sin n
n 1

n
2d
0.1227 10 10
sin
2 5.5 10 11
sin 0.1115
sin

624'

11.

Electrons initially accelerated through a potential difference of 5 KV. Compute

(a) momentum (b) de

Solution:
(a)

Broglie wavelength.

1
mv 2 eV
2
1
mv 2 1.6 10 19 5 10 3 V
2
p 2 m 2 v 2 2 9.1 10 31 1.6 10 19 5 10 3
2 9.1 10 31 1.6 10 19 5 10 3

p 3.81 10 23

(b)

h
p

6.625 10 34
3.81 10 23
0.17 A

12.Find the speed and momentum of a proton whose total energy is 3.5 10 9 eV.
Solution:

K .E E 3.5 10 9 eV

m 1.69 10 27
p 2 E 2m
p 2 3.5 10 9 2 1.69 10 27 1.6 10 19
p

1.8928 10 36

p 1.375 10 18 Kgms 1

p mv
p
v
m
1.375 10 18
v
1.69 10 27
v

13.A microscope using photons is employed to locate an electron in an atom to

within a distance of 0.2Ao. What is the uncertainty in momentum of the electron
located in this way?
Solution:

x p

h
2

h
2 x
6.625 10 34
p
2 3.14 0.2 10 10
p 5.2746 10 24 Kgms 1
p

14. The speed of an electron is found to be 5 10 3 ms 1 to an accuracy of

0.003%. Find the uncertainty in determining position of electron. Given that
m e 9.11 10 31 Kg , h 6.625 10 34 Js .
h
m v x
Solution:
2
v 0.003% of v
0.003
v
5 10 3
100
v 0.15 ms 1
h
x
2 m v
6.625 10 34
x
2 3.14 9.11 10 31 0.15
x 0.77 10 3 m

15. The de
Solution:

Broglie wavelength of a proton is 0.589A . Find the energy in eV.

o

0.589 10 10
h

2mE
h2
E 2
2m
E

6.625 10
0.589 10 2 1.69 10
34 2

10 2

27

3.788 10 20
1.6 10 19
E 0.237 eV
E

16. Calculate the de

27oC.
Solution:

Broglie wavelength and momentum of thermal neutron at

K 1.38 10 23 J / K

h
3mKT
6.625 10 34

Momentum:

3 1.69 10 27 1.38 10 23 300

1.446A

3
KT
2
3
K .E 1.38 10 23 300
2
K .E 6.21 10 21
K .E

2mE

2 1.69 10 27 6.21 10 21

p 4.58 10 24 Kgms 1
h

p
6.625 10 34
4.58 10 24
1.446 A

17. Calculate the de Broglie wavelength associated with 54V electrons and
calculate the speed of matter waves of these electrons.
Solution:

12.28
v
12.28

A
54
1.67A

18. An electron has a speed of 1000ms 1 . The accuracy measurement is 0.004%.

Calculate the uncertainty in locating its position.
Solution:
v 1000 ms 1
0.004
1000
100
0.04ms 1
h

2 m v
6.625 10 34

2 3.14 1.69 10 27 0.04

2.89 10 3 m

v
v

x
x
x

EXERCISE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Explain the failure of classical theory in explanation of i) Photoelectric effect ii)

Black body radiation iii) Atomic spectra iv)Compton effect. v) stability of atom
With relevant theory explain G. P. Thomsons experiment on electron diffraction.
With relevant theory explain Davisson and Germers experiment to substantiate
concept of matter waves.
Explain, how the concept of group velocity gives the quantum picture of a material
particle. Establish the relation between phase velocity and group velocity for a nonrelativistic free particle.
Explain the gamma ray microscope to bring out the concept of uncertainty principle
a. State Heisenbergs Uncertainty principle? Describe ray microscopic
experiment to support Heisenbergs uncertainty principle?
b. Why electrons does not exist inside the nucleus?

CONCEPT QUESTIONS
1. Why G-P Thomsons method is called absolute method?
a. Wavelength is determined by dynamical value so G-P Thomsons method is
called absolute method i.e.,

Rd
is calculated dynamically.
l

2. One cannot easily identify wavelength of marble of mass of 10gms?

a. In marble wavelength is very small. So we cannot identify the wavelength of
marble of mass 10gms.
3. For what frequency will the quantum effects be noticeable at room
temperature?
Ans: Quantum effects will be noticeable when
T=300K,

=1. At room temperature

hence =

1.38 1023 300

=
=6.25x1012Hz. Oscillations of
6.625 1034

frequency ~ 1012Hz or more will show quantum effects.

4. Is atomic heat for all metals a constant?
Ans: At ordinary temperature, the atomic heat of most metals is a
constant. But as temperature decreases, atomic heat decreases and is
zero for 0K.
5. Is electromagnetic radiation a wave or a particle?
Ans: Electromagnetic radiation manifests either as waves or as
photons(particle) and hence is said to have wave particle duality.
6. Do x-rays have energy and momentum.
Ans,. X-ray like all electromagnetic radiation has energy E= h and
momentum p

E h

c
c

7. What is Compton wavelength?

Ans. Compton wavelength is the wavelength shift c

h
when the
mo c

scattering of radiation with matter takes place at 90 0.

8. A charged electron moves in a circular orbit, yet the atom is stable.
Ans. According to Bohrs theory, the electron moving in a stationary orbit
does not radiate and hence does not loose energy. Therefore the atom is
stable.
9. Is the hydrogen spectrum discrete or continuous? Explain.
Ans. Hydrogen spectra is discrete according to Bohr, when electron
radiates it jumps from one stationary state of higher energy to that of
lower energy giving rise to a discrete spectra.
10.The classical concepts are not valid in the region of atomic dimension.
Explain.
Ans. For atomic dimension, the plancks constant h= 6.625 x 10 -34 Js of
significance and hence leads to quantum effects. Classical concepts are
valid only when h 0
11.Even when monochromatic X-rays are used, the Compton spectrum
contains more than one line. Why?
Ans. The Compton spectrum contains one incident light of wavelength
and another scattered light of wavelength ' due to recoil of the electron.
Hence when monochromatic X-rays are used, the Compton spectrum
contains more than one line due to inelastic scattering.

12.Waves are associated with sub atomic particles not with macroscopic
particles.
Ans. Sub atomic particles have wavelength in A0 while the wavelength of
one gram mass with the same energy has a very small value of wavelength of
nearly 10-22 m and hence is not measurable.
13. If an electron and a proton have the same kinetic energy, which one will
move farthest?
Ans. ke k p

1
1
me ve 2 me v p 2
2
2
2
mp
v
e2
me v p
Since m p > me ; ve > v p so the electron will move faster.
14.An electron and newtron have the same kinetic energy. Compare the
momentum.
Ans. K e K n

pe 2
p
n
2me 2mn

pe 2 mn

pn 2 me
Sine mass mn me , the momentum of the neutron is greater than that of
ther electron.
15.An electron and a neutron have the same de Broglie wavelength. Which
one will move faster and why?

e n
h
h

mee m p p
mp
me

e
p

Since the mass of the proton is greater than that of the electron, the
velocity of the electron is greater than that of the proton.
16.Do the de Broglie waves produce dispersion in vacuum.
Ans. De Broglie waves produce dispersion in vacuum because the phase
velocity of the wave depends on the wavelength.
17.Explain why electron cannot exist in the nucleus.
Ans. According to uncertainty principle, if the electron is confined in the
nucleus of diameter 10-14m the corresponding momentum of the electron
would be of the order of 10-20m kg ms-1. Then the Kinetic energy of the

electron would be of the order of 100 Me V. The maximum energy that the
emitted particle has is only 4MeV, hence an electron cannot exist in the
nucleus.
18.Can we observe the de Broglie wavelength with a speeding tennis ball.
Explain.
Ans. No. A speeding tennis ball of mass ~. 1 Kg can have velocity ~10 6ms1

. Hence the corresponding wavelength is ~

h
m

34

6.625 10
10 39 m
6
.1 10

The wavelength is too small to be observed or measured.

19.Does the concept of Bohr orbit violate the uncertainty principle. Explain.
Ans. No. Infact the concept of Bohr orbit reinforces the uncertainty
principle. Uncertainty principle shows that if the minimum energy is 13.6
eV it must have a dimension of an angstrom.
20.If the Plnak, s constant were to be much (i) smaller (ii) bigger than the
actual value explain how the quantum phenomenon would be.
Ans. (a) If the Plank constant was smaller, then even macroscopic and
particles even smaller would have quantum effects.
(b) If the Plank constant was larger, even macroscopic objects would show
quantum effect like discrete energy levels and wave nature.
21) The concept of trajectory has no meaning in quantum mechanics. Explain.
Ans. Accordiong to uncertainty principle , the position and momentum of a
particle cannot
be simultaneously determined precisely
hence trajectory in a phase space has no meaning.
21.Is de Broglie hypothesis of matter waves applicable to an electron in an
atom. Justify.
Ans. Yes, de Broglie wavelength is associated with the motion of an
electron in an atom but these waves give rise to standing waves hence the
electrons are in stationary orbits.
22.How can the wavelength of an electron be =h/p when the momentum p
represents that the electron is a particle.
Ans. Due to wave particle duality, it is possible for the electron to have
momentum p corresponding to a particle and a wavelength associated
with its wave nature.
23.Can matter wave travel faster than light? Justify your answer.
Ans. No. Even though the phase velocity of the matter wave is greater
than the velocity of light in vacuum, the group velocity is lesser.