The wavelength of matter wave depends upon:
A. charge
B. velocity
C. momentum
D. mass
E. charge density
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → B, C, D only
The wavelength of a matter wave is given by the de Broglie relation, which depends only on the momentum of the particle.
\( \displaystyle \lambda = \frac{h}{p} = \frac{h}{mv} \)
A. charge — Incorrect. The charge does not appear in the relation (a charged and a neutral particle of the same momentum have the same wavelength).
B. velocity — Correct. \( \lambda\propto 1/v \) for a given mass.
C. momentum — Correct. \( \lambda = h/p \) is the basic relation.
D. mass — Correct. \( \lambda\propto 1/m \) for a given velocity.
E. charge density — Incorrect. It plays no part in the relation.
NCERT (2026-27):
Wave Nature of Matter – “… De Broglie proposed that the wave length λ associated with a particle of momentum p is given as
\( \displaystyle \lambda = \frac{h}{p} = \frac{h}{mv} \qquad (11.5) \)
where m is the mass of the particle and v its speed.”