An electron in copper has an energy of 1240 eV. Its de Broglie wavelength is calculated to be 0.4626 nm, which is comparable to the atomic spacing in copper of approximately 0.256 nm. The de Broglie wavelength of an electron in copper is on the same order of magnitude as the distance between copper atoms.

1. 1
Calculate the de
Broglie wavelength
of an electron with
energy EF in
copper, and
compare the value
with the atomic
separation in
copper.
Helping Tools
No.1
No.2

2. 2
No.3
No.4
No.5

3. 3
No.6
Solution

4. 4
2
2
2
We know that
2 2
1240 .
2 511000 7.03
1240 .
0.4626
2680.42
1
K &
2 2
0.4626 0.256
Comparable to the atomic spacing
of copper
E hf h
p
c c
h hc
p pc
hc hc
c mE mc E
eV nm
X eVX eV
eV nm
nm
eV
p
mv p mv K
m
nm nm


= = =
 = =
= =
=
= =
 
= =  =
 
 

