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Wave Particle Duality Questions Solutions

The document discusses key concepts in Engineering Physics, focusing on the wave nature of particles as proposed by de Broglie, and the derivation of Schrödinger's wave equations. It explains the relationship between group and phase velocities, as well as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Experimental verification and mathematical formulations are provided to illustrate these principles.

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119 views3 pages

Wave Particle Duality Questions Solutions

The document discusses key concepts in Engineering Physics, focusing on the wave nature of particles as proposed by de Broglie, and the derivation of Schrödinger's wave equations. It explains the relationship between group and phase velocities, as well as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Experimental verification and mathematical formulations are provided to illustrate these principles.

Uploaded by

Indian Gamer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Engineering Physics: Questions and Solutions

1. Wave Nature of Particles

According to de Broglie, every moving particle has a wave nature. He proposed that a particle of

mass 'm' moving with velocity 'v' has an associated wavelength (lambda) given by:

lambda = h / (mv)

Where:

- lambda = de Broglie wavelength

- h = Planck's constant = 6.626 10 Js

- m = mass of the particle

- v = velocity of the particle

This concept was experimentally verified by the Davisson-Germer experiment which showed

electron diffraction similar to X-rays.

2. Schrdinger's Time Dependent and Time Independent Wave Equation Derivations

Time Dependent Schrdinger Equation:

ih_bar psi/t = psi

Where is the Hamiltonian operator representing the total energy of the system.

Time Independent Schrdinger Equation (for conservative systems):

psi = Epsi

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Engineering Physics: Questions and Solutions

Derivation involves assuming separable solutions psi(x, t) = psi(x)phi(t) and applying the

Hamiltonian operator for a particle in a potential V(x).

3. Free Particle Wave Function and Wave Packets

For a free particle (V = 0), the time independent Schrdinger equation becomes:

dpsi/dx + (2mE/h_bar)psi = 0

General solution: psi(x) = Ae^(ikx) + Be^(-ikx), where k = sqrt(2mE)/h_bar

A wave packet is a superposition of such waves with different k values to represent a localized

particle. It's formed by integrating over a range of wave numbers:

(x,t) = A(k) e^(i(kx - omegat)) dk

4. Relation between Group Velocity (Vg) and Phase Velocity (Vp)

Group velocity (Vg) is the velocity with which the envelope of the wave packet moves:

Vg = domega/dk

Phase velocity (Vp) is the velocity of a single wave within the wave packet:

Vp = omega/k

Relation:

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Engineering Physics: Questions and Solutions

Vg = Vp + k(dVp/dk)

For non-dispersive media: Vg = Vp

5. Uncertainty Principle

Proposed by Heisenberg, it states that one cannot simultaneously measure the exact position and

momentum of a particle.

Deltax Deltap h_bar/2

Where:

- Deltax = uncertainty in position

- Deltap = uncertainty in momentum

- h_bar = h / (2pi)

This arises from the wave nature of particles; a precise position implies an uncertain momentum and

vice versa.

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