The neutron has a mass of 1.67 × 10-27 kg. Neutrons emitted in nuclear reactions can be slowed down by collisions with matter. They are referred to as thermal neutrons after they come into thermal equilibrium with the environment. The average kinetic energy (3/2 kBT) of a thermal neutron isapproximately 0.04 eV. (a) Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron with a kinetic energy of 0.040 0 eV. (b) How does your answer compare with the characteristic atomic spacing in a crystal? (c) Explain whether you expect thermal neutrons to exhibit diffraction effects when scattered by a crystal.

University Physics Volume 3
17th Edition
ISBN:9781938168185
Author:William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Chapter6: Photons And Matter Waves
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 66P: The work function for potassium is 2.26 eV. What is the cutoff frequency when this metal is used as...
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The neutron has a mass of 1.67 × 10-27 kg. Neutrons emitted in nuclear reactions can be slowed down by collisions with matter. They are referred to as thermal neutrons after they come into thermal equilibrium with the environment. The average kinetic energy (3/2 kBT) of a thermal neutron is
approximately 0.04 eV. (a) Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron with a kinetic energy of 0.040 0 eV. (b) How does your answer compare with the characteristic atomic spacing in a crystal? (c) Explain whether you expect thermal neutrons to exhibit diffraction effects when scattered by a crystal.

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