Wave-Particle Duality

What suggested particles possess wave-like properties?

• Electron diffraction.

• The photoelectric effect.

What did the photoelectric effect suggest about electromagnetic waves nature?

• Particulate nature.

What is deBroglie wavelength?

• The wavelength (λ) that is associated with an object in relation to its momentum and mass

How is Electron diffraction observed?

• Diffraction patterns observed through an electron diffraction tube.

• Electrons accelerated to high velocities in a vacuum and then passed through a graphite crystal.

• As they pass through the spaces between the atoms of the crystal, they diffract (like waves passing through a narrow slit) and produce a pattern of rings.

Why is Graphite crystal used when observing electron diffraction?

• The gaps in the atom is just larger than the wavelength.

What happens according to wave theory to the spread of lines in the diffraction pattern if the wavelength of the wave increases?

• The diffraction pattern increases as the wavelength increases.

What is meant by wave-particle duality?

• All particles have both particle and wave properties.