In the double-slit experiment, why do electrons create an interference pattern instead of behaving like classical particles?

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Electrons have mass, which causes diffraction

Electrons exhibit wave-particle duality, allowing for interference

Electrons are always in motion, preventing them from behaving like particles

Electrons are influenced by magnetic fields that change their path

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Answer

Electrons behave as both particles and waves, a fact called wave‑particle duality. In the double‑slit experiment each electron’s wavefunction spreads through both slits, so the two parts of the wave overlap and interfere. Where the waves add together, the probability of detecting an electron is high, creating bright bands; where they cancel, the probability is low, creating dark bands. Over many electrons the interference pattern emerges, showing that each electron acted like a wave that interfered with itself. For example, a single electron fired through the slits will still produce a pattern after many electrons are counted, proving the wave‑like behavior.

Detailed Explanation

Electrons can act as both particles and waves. Other options are incorrect because Some think mass alone makes electrons bend and spread out; The belief that being in motion stops particle behavior is a misconception.

Key Concepts

Wave-particle duality

Electron diffraction

Interference patterns

Topic

Wave-like Behavior of Electrons

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medium level question

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understand

Practice Similar Questions

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Question 1

How does the wave-particle duality of electrons explain the phenomenon of electron interference observed in double-slit experiments, and how is this related to the wavefunction?

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Question 2

Imagine you are conducting an experiment similar to the double-slit experiment with electrons. You notice that when electrons pass through the slits, they create an interference pattern on a detector screen. How does this observation relate to the wave-like behavior of electrons?

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Question 3

Which of the following best explains the wave-like behavior of electrons as observed in the double-slit experiment?

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Question 4

In the context of the wave-like behavior of electrons, the phenomenon observed in the double-slit experiment demonstrates that electrons can exhibit __________, behaving like waves rather than particles.

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Question 5

What underlying principle explains why electrons exhibit diffraction patterns when passed through a double-slit apparatus?

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Question 6