Question

If the corresponding de Broglie wavelengths of a proton and a neutron are obtained as same, then which of the two will have greater kinetic energy? 
 

Hint:

For the same de Broglie wavelength, a lighter particle will always have higher kinetic energy.

Answer 1

From de Broglie wavelengths formula: \[ \lambda = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2mK}}, \] where \(m\) is the mass and \(K\) is the kinetic energy. For the same wavelength: \[ K \propto \frac{1}{m}. \] Since the proton has less mass than the neutron, its kinetic energy will be greater for the same wavelength.