A free particle with initial kinetic energy E and de-broglie wavelength λ enters a region in which it has potential energy U. What is the particle's new de-Broglie wavelength?
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A free particle with initial kinetic energy E and de−broglie wavelength λ enters a region in which it has potential energy U. What is the particle's new de−Broglie wavelength?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Initial kinetic energy is E and λ = h/√(2mE). Step 2: In the region of potential energy U, kinetic energy becomes E−U. Thus λ' = h/√[2m(E−U)] = λ√[E/(E−U)] = λ(1−U/E)⁻¹ᐟ². Correct answer: A.