PHYSICS CONNECTION
Diffraction connects electrons with other waves
Diffraction and interference patterns provide evidence of wave behaviour. Electron diffraction extends that evidence to particles with mass.
A wave pattern depends on wavelength and structure spacing
Follow the reasoning
- Identify the structure producing diffraction.
- Relate a change in electron momentum to a change in wavelength.
- Use the change in diffraction spread as evidence for the wavelength change.
OFFICIAL OCR QUESTIONS
Try it in a past paper 2
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 8
Describe electron diffraction and compare the de Broglie wavelengths of electrons and a car.
Question 3
Relate electron diffraction to the spacing between atoms.
A curated collection checked against the question papers and mark schemes; not a complete past-paper catalogue. Links open official OCR PDFs in a new tab.
ORIGINAL PHYSICSUK QUESTIONS
Put the ideas to work
More practice is on its way
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Specification outcomes (5)
- 4.5.3(a) Describe and explain electron diffraction as evidence of wave-like behaviour of particles.
- 4.5.3(b) Describe diffraction of electrons through thin polycrystalline graphite and relate to atomic spacing.
- 4.5.3(c) Use the de Broglie equation λ = h / p to relate momentum and wavelength.
- 4.4.3(a)(i) State the principle of superposition of waves.
- 4.4.3(f) Describe Young’s double-slit experiment using visible light and explain its significance in demonstrating wave behaviour.