HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Photoelectric Effect and Wave-Particle Duality Page 364: Q7 Solution: In which of the following situations, the heavier of the two…

QPage 364: Q7: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Photoelectric Effect and Wave-Particle Duality Page 364: Q7 Solution: In which of the following situations, the heavier of the two…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students frequently assume a heavier particle always has a shorter de Broglie wavelength, overlooking that $\lambda = h/p$. For equal momentum the wavelength is identical for both masses, and for equal kinetic energy the heavier particle has a smaller momentum (since $p=\sqrt{2mK}$), giving a longer wavelength. Always rewrite $\lambda$ in terms of the given quantity (speed, momentum, or kinetic energy) before comparing.

In which of the following situations, the heavier of the two particles has smaller de Broglie wavelength? The two particles

Multiple Choice Options

A move with the same speed
B move with the same linear momentum
C move with the same kinetic energy
D have fallen through the same height

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (a), (b), (c). **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Heavier particle has smaller de Broglie wavelength for same speed (a), same momentum (b), and same kinetic energy (c).

QPage 364: Q7: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Photoelectric Effect and Wave-Particle Duality Page 364: Q7 Solution: In which of the following situations, the heavier of the two…

Multiple Choice Options

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

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