If electrons were used in the two-slit experiment instead of light, what change would need to be made to the slit spacing in order to see a diffraction pattern?

Question

Madeleine Charles

Chemistry

25 October, 11:27

If electrons were used in the two-slit experiment instead of light, what change would need to be made to the slit spacing in order to see a diffraction pattern?

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Mara Yang · Answer 1

In order to conduct the two-slit experiment with a beam of electrons, the slit opening has to be smaller than the opening for the light waves. This is because the wavelength of the electron beam is lower, which means it will pass through the large slit without diffracting. Diffraction will occur if the spacing is reduced. The reason that electrons have a smaller wavelength is because they have a higher energy than light waves.