Modern Physics - Quantum Mechanics - SS2 Physics Past Questions and Answers - page 1
According to wave-particle duality, particles can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. Which experiment provides evidence for this phenomenon?
Young's double-slit experiment
Photoelectric effect
Compton scattering
Davisson-Germer experiment
The uncertainty principle, formulated by Werner Heisenberg, states that there is a fundamental limit to the simultaneous precision with which certain pairs of physical properties can be known. Which properties does the uncertainty principle apply to?
Position and momentum
Energy and time
Spin and charge
Mass and velocity
The uncertainty principle states that as the uncertainty in the measurement of one property decreases, the uncertainty in the measurement of the other property:
Also decreases
Increases
Remains constant
Becomes irrelevant
The wave-particle duality is most pronounced for particles with:
High energy
Low energy
Large mass
Small mass
Which of the following phenomena demonstrates the wave-like behaviour of particles?
Diffraction
Photoelectric effect
Compton scattering
Electron tunnelling
The uncertainty principle implies that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact:
Position and velocity of a particle
Energy and frequency of a wave
Momentum and spin of a particle
Wavelength and amplitude of a wave
The wave-particle duality suggests that particles can exist in:
Only one location at a time
Multiple locations simultaneously
Only one energy state
Multiple energy states simultaneously
The mathematical description of wave-particle duality is provided by:
Newton's laws of motion
Maxwell's equations
Schrödinger's equation
Einstein's theory of relativity
Explain the concept of wave-particle duality and provide examples of experiments that support this idea.
Wave-particle duality is the concept that particles, such as electrons and photons, can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. One example of an experiment that supports this idea is the double-slit experiment, where particles, such as electrons or photons, are sent through two closely spaced slits and produce an interference pattern on a screen, indicating their wave-like behaviour. Another example is the photoelectric effect, where light behaves as discrete particles called photons, causing the emission of electrons from a metal surface.
Describe the uncertainty principle and its implications on the simultaneous measurement of certain physical properties.
The uncertainty principle, formulated by Werner Heisenberg, states that there is a fundamental limit to the simultaneous precision with which certain pairs of physical properties can be known. Specifically, it applies to the simultaneous measurement of the position and momentum of a particle. The principle states that as the uncertainty in the measurement of one property decreases, the uncertainty in the measurement of the other property increases. This means that there is an inherent trade-off between knowing the exact position and momentum of a particle.