Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Electrons behave like particles with distinct paths.
B
Electrons can exist in multiple states simultaneously, creating interference patterns.
C
Electrons only exhibit wave behavior when not observed.
D
Electrons are always waves and never exhibit particle characteristics.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The best explanation is that each electron is described by a quantum wavefunction that can travel through both slits simultaneously and then interfere with itself; this wavefunction is what gives rise to the observed pattern of bright and dark bands. When an electron passes the slits, its wavefunction splits into two parts that propagate along different paths, and the amplitudes of these parts add together, producing constructive and destructive interference. The probability of finding the electron at a particular spot on the screen is proportional to the square of the total amplitude, so regions where the waves add give bright fringes and where they cancel give dark fringes. A simple analogy is dropping a stone in a pond: each splash spreads out, overlaps, and creates ripples that reinforce or cancel each other, just like the electron’s wavefunction. Thus, the double‑slit experiment shows that electrons behave as waves in the sense that their probability distribution follows wave interference.
Detailed Explanation
Electrons can be in more than one state at the same time. Other options are incorrect because Some think electrons always travel in a single straight line; It is a common idea that looking at the electron stops its wave nature.
Key Concepts
Wave-particle duality
Electron diffraction
De Broglie waves
Topic
Wave-like Behavior of Electrons
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1How does the wave-like behavior of electrons relate to their probability density in a double-slit experiment?
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Question 2Wave-like behavior of electrons is to the double-slit experiment as sound waves are to what?
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Question 3Which of the following best explains the wave-like behavior of electrons as observed in the double-slit experiment?
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Question 4Which of the following phenomena best illustrates the wave-like behavior of electrons?
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5
Question 5In 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 6How does the wave-like behavior of electrons relate to their probability density in a double-slit experiment?
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7
Question 7Wave-like behavior of electrons is to the double-slit experiment as sound waves are to what?
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8
Question 8Which of the following phenomena best illustrates the wave-like behavior of electrons?
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9
Question 9In 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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