Question

What are the evidences in favour of dual behaviour of electron?

Answer 1

Answer:

An electron exhibits both particle and wave-like properties.

Wave nature of an electron is represented by the equation E = hv, here h = Planck's constant and v = frequency of the wave.

Einstein's equation shows the particle nature of the electron as E = mc2, where m= mass of an electron and c = velocity. As photon has momentum and wavelength similarly, electrons should also have momentum as well as wavelength.

Dual nature of an electron was explained by De-Broglie λ = h/ mv where p(momentum) = mV . So, λ  = h/p

This equation suggests that electron has both momentum and wavelength.

Answer 2

$\sf\red{ Particle~nature~of~electron}$ : Planck's quantum theory and photoelectric effect support the particle nature of electrons.

• Also , according to Newton's light travels in the form of particles.
• This theory explains reflection and refraction of light.

$\sf\blue{Wave~nature~of~electron}$ : Heisenberg's uncertainty principle supports the wave nature of electron.

• Also, according to Huygen's light travels in the form of waves .
• This theory explains diffraction and interference of light.

Louis de-Broglie proposed the dual nature of matter.

According to him, microscopic particles such as electrons have both wave-like & particle properties.

• Louis de-Broglie derived an equation to calculate the wavelength of the wave assosiated with a particle of mass m , moving with velocity v .
• Where 'h' is Planck's constant & 'p' is momentum of the particle.

$\sf\underline\orange{ Experimental~~Evidence}$ : The wave nature of electrons was verified experimentally by Davisson & Germer by carrying out diffraction experiments with a beam of fast moving electrons.

• This wave nature of electrons is utilised in the construction of electron microscope.