Question

Which of the following statements are correct for a matter waves?
1. Only a charged particle in motion is accompanied by matter waves
2. Only subatomic particles in motion are accompanied by matter waves
3. Any particle in motion, whether charged or uncharged, is accompanied by matter waves
4. No particle, whether at rest or in motion, is ever accompanied by matter waves

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Any particle in motion, whether charged or uncharged, is accompanied by matter waves

CONCEPT:

Dual nature of matter:

• According to de Broglie, the matter has a dual nature of wave-particle.
• The wave associated with each moving particle is called matter waves.
• ​​de Broglie wavelength associated with the particle is given as,

\(⇒ λ = \frac{h}{mv}\)   

Where, h = Planck's constant, m = mass of a particle, and v = velocity of a particle

Characteristics of Matter waves:

1. ​​The lighter the particle, the greater is the de Broglie wavelength.
2. The higher the velocity of the particle, the smaller is its de Broglie wavelength.
3. The de Broglie wavelength of a particle is independent of the charge or nature of the particle.
4. The matter waves are not electromagnetic in nature. Only charged particles produce electromagnetic waves.

EXPLANATION:

• According to de Broglie, the matter has a dual nature of wave-particle.
• The wave associated with each moving particle is called matter waves.
• The de Broglie wavelength of a particle is independent of the charge or nature of the particle.
• So any particle in motion, whether charged or uncharged, is accompanied by matter waves. Hence, option 3 is correct.