Chapter

DAWN OF MODERN PHYSICS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter the students will be able to:
1. Distinguish between inertial and non-inertial frames of references.
2. Describe the postulates of special theory of relativity and its results.
3. Understand the NAVASTAR navigation system.
4. Understand the concept of black body radiation.
5. Understand and describe how energy is distributed over the wavelength range for several
values of source temperature.
6. Know Planck’s assumptions.
7. Know the origin of quantum theory.
8. Show an appreciation of the particle nature of electromagnetic radiation.
9. Describe the phenomenon of photoelectric effect.
10. Explain photoelectric effect in terms of photon energy and work function.
11. Explain the function of photocell and describe its uses.
12. Describe Compton’s effect.
13. Explain the phenomena of pair production and pair annihilation.
14. Describe de-Broglie’s hypothesis of wave nature of particles.
15. Describe and interpret qualitatively the evidence provided by electron diffraction for the wave
nature of particles.
16. Understand the working principle of electron microscope.
17. Understand and describe uncertainty principle.
Classical Physics:
The scientists up to 19th century have made a large number of achievements in physics called
classical physics which deals with heavy objects.
Achievements:
In classical physics period, Newton’s law of motion, laws of thermodynamics, Maxwell’s theory
of electromagnetism were successful in explaining many problems.
Nature of light had been explained in terms of e.m waves.
Limitations of Classical Physics:
Classical physics was unable to explain following phenomena.
(i) Behaviour of metal on atomic level.
(ii) Black body radiation.
(iii) Photoelectric effect.
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 277
(iv) Emission of spectral lines by atoms in gas discharge tube.
Modern Physics:
In 20th Century, some new discoveries were made which could not be explained on the basis of
classical physics.
Therefore, a new branch of physics was introduced that deals with tiny particles (atoms or
molecules) having speed comparable to the speed of light called Modern Physics.
Relative Motion:
“The continuous change of position of a body with respect to a second body or reference point is
called relative motion.”
Motion and rest are relative quantities. There is no such thing as absolute rest or absolute motion.
For Example:
i) A train is in motion w.r.t an observer on Earth but is at rest w.r.t to observer inside it.
ii) When a ball is thrown up, the up direction is for that particular place. It will be down for
a person on the diametrically opposite inside of globe.
Hence all the motion is relative to a person or instrument observing it.

FRAME OF REFERENCES
“The co-ordinate system relative to which measurements are taken is called frame of reference”.
Example:
“Walls of room”, as position of table in room can be located relative to walls.
Types of Frames of Reference:
There are two types of frame of reference.
i) Inertial frame of reference.
ii) Non-inertial frame of reference.
Inertial Frame of Reference: (a = 0)
i) A frame of reference which is either at rest or moving with constant velocity.
ii) A frame of reference having zero acceleration.
iii) Laws of motion are valid in inertial frames of reference.
For Example:
 A class room.
 Moving car with constant velocity.
Non-Inertial Frame of Reference (a  0):
i) A frame of reference, which is moving with non-uniform velocity.
ii) A frame of reference having non-zero acceleration is non-inertial.
iii) Laws of motion are not valid in non-inertial frame of reference.
For Example:
A car moving with non-uniform velocity.
Note:
(i) Earth may be considered as an inertial frame of reference.
(ii) Any frame of reference which is moving with uniform velocity relative to an inertial
frame of reference is also an inertial frame.
(iii) Since earth is revolving and rotating. So strictly speaking the frame of reference of earth
is not an inertial frame.
278 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Theory of Relativity:
Theory of relativity is concerned with the way in which the observers who are in a state of
relative motion describe physical phenomenon
There are two parts of theory of relativity.
a) General theory of relativity.
b) Special theory of relativity.
a) General theory of relativity:
It deals with the problems involving accelerated frame of reference.
b) Special theory of relativity.
It deals with the problems involving non-accelerated frame of
reference and given by Albert Einstein in 1905.
It has two postulates:
The speed of light emitted by
i) The laws of physics are same for all inertial frames. flashlight is c measured by two
ii) Speed of light in vacuum is same for all observers regardless of observers, one on the moving
their state of motion. The value of speed of light is 3×108 m/s. track and the other on the road.

RESULTS OF THEORY OF RELATIVITY

Following are few results obtained from special theory of relativity.
i) Time dilation:
Time is not absolute but depends upon the motion of frame of reference it increases according to
the relation.
to
t= 2
1v
2
c
to = proper time (at rest state)
t = relativistic time (with relative motion)
v = speed of relative motion.
c = speed of light
As,
v<<C
v2
 1 c2 < 1

Hence t > to
Application:
It is applicable to all timing processes e.g. physical, chemistry, biological processes even aging
process of human body is slowed by motion at very high speed.
Length Contraction:
Length measured along the motion appears to be decreased. Length contraction takes place along
the direction of motion only. No such contraction will be observed perpendicular to the direction of
motion. Its relation is given by.
v2
l = lo 1 c2
e.g.
The distance from earth to star measured by an observer in a moving space ship would seem
smaller than the distance measured by an observer on earth.
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 279
Lo = proper length
L = relativistic length
v = speed of relative motion
c = speed of light
As:
v << C
v2
So, 1  c2 < 1
Hence,
 < 0
Mass Variation:
Mass of a moving object appears to be increased according to relation.
mo
m= 2
1 v
2
c
In our daily life, we deal with extremely small speeds compared to speed of light. The orbital
speed of earth (30 km/s) is too much less than speed of light (30,000 km/s) that’s why Newton’s laws
are valid.
m = relativistic mass
mo = proper mass
v = speed of relative motion.
c = speed of light
As
v<< C
So,
v2
1c2 < 1

m > mo
Can an Object Move With Speed of Light?
No, an object cannot be accelerated with speed of light as.
mo
m =
v2
1c2
v
If v = c , c = 1
mo mo
m = 2 =
1 v 11
c2
mo
m = 0 =∞
An infinite mass requires an infinite force to accelerate it. As infinite force is not available.
Hence an object cannot be accelerated to speed the light in free space.
Energy Mass Relation:
Energy and mass are two different physical quantities but are interconvertible.
Total energy E and mass m of an object are related by
E = mc2
280 Physics Intermediate Part-II

At rest, objects mass mo and rest mass energy Eo are related by

Eo = moc2
The difference of energy E – Eo is due to motion. It represents K.E of mass i.e.
K.E. = mc2 – moc2
K.E = (m – mo) c2
K.E = ∆mc2
Change in mass m due to change in energy E is given by
E
m = c2
Conclusion:
As value of c2 is very large. For a small change in mass, a very large change in energy is
required. In everyday life energy changes are very small. However, energy mass change in nuclear
reactions takes place in accordance with this equation.

NAVSTAR NAVIGATION SYSTEM

It is modern system of navigation satellites capable to find the position and speed of any object
on earth.
Principle:
It works on the result obtained from special theory of relativity.
Features:
(i) The speed of any object on earth can be found with an accuracy of 2cms-1 while without
using the relativity effects the accuracy may not be less than 20 cms-1.
(ii) The location of aircraft on earth can be found with an accuracy of 50m as compared to
760m without using theory of relativity.
Black Body radiation:
 Every body radiates which depend upon temperature.
 If the temp is higher than surrounding it emits energy.
 Higher the temp, more will be the energy of emitted radiations, shorter will be the wavelength,
greater will be the frequency.
 It is perfect radiator and absorber. Its absorptive or emissive power is 1 i.e. 100%.
Thermal Radiation:
Radiatior emitted by a body when it is heated are called thermal radiation.
Effect of Temperature On Radiation:
At low temperature emitted radiation have longer wavelength.
At high temperature emitted radiation have shorter wavelength.
For example when plantinium wire is heated at different temperatures, its appearance changes
i.e.
Temperature Appearance
500ºC Dull red
900ºC Cherry red
1100ºC Orange red
1300ºC Yellow
1600ºC White
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 281

small
Black Body: hole
A body that absorbs all the radiations falling upon it and emits all
the radiations when it is heated.
Cavity Radiator:
A black body can be obtained in the form of cavity in block of non
reflecting object such as a solid. This cavity has a small hole and inner
surface of cavity is coated with lamp black. All the radiations that enter are
reflected from inside walls many times and are completely absorbed.
Hence it acts as a perfect black body. internal incident
cavity radiation
Intensity Distribution Digram: Absorption of radiation
Lummer and Pringsheim performed an experiment to measure the intensity of emitted energy
with wavelength radiated from black body at different temperatures.
black body cavity

furnace

rock salt
thermopile prism (transmits
(radiation detector) and disperses all
wavelengths)

infrared
spectrometer

Graphical Representation:
Characteristics of Radiant Intensity Curve: For Your Information
(i) At a given temperature, energy is not uniformly distributed region of
visible
in the radiation spectrum of the body. spectrum
(ii) At a given temperature T energy emitted has a maximum
value at certain wavelength max. T=1650 K
Wein’s Displacement Law:
It states that max is inversely proportional to absolute
temperature.
Intensity of radiated energy

 Area under the graph shows energy emitted.

 Every curve has a peak value, wavelength 1450 K
corresponding to peak value is known as max.
1 1260 K
max  T
1000 K
constant
max = T
max × T = constant
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Where constant = 2.9 × 103 mk. 
iii) For all wavelengths increase in temperature causes an increase in energy emission. The radiation
intensity increases with increase in wavelength, at a particular wavelength max it has maximum
value. With further increase in wavelength the intensity decreases.
282 Physics Intermediate Part-II

iv) Area under the curve represents the total energy radiated over all wavelengths at a particular
temperature.
Stefen Boltzman’s Law:
Total energy radiated per second per unit area is directly proportional to fourth power of absolute
temperature.
E  T4
E = T4
Where  = Stefen’s constant and have value 5.67 × 10-8 Wm2k4
Plank’s Assumption: (1900)
According to this theory emission and absorption of energy is not a continuous process. But it
takes place in the form of a discrete packets of energy which are called quanta. Each quanta is
associated with radiation of single frequency. The energy of each quanta is proportional to its frequency.
E  f
E = hf
h = Plank’s constant = 6.63 × 10-34 Js
MaxPlank received Noble Prize in 1918 for his discovery of energy quanta.
Einstein’s Photon Theory:
Einstein extended Planck’s idea. He proposed that bundles of energy quanta is integral part of
electromagnetic radiation. These quanta are indivisible and he called them as Photon. It describes that
granular nature of radiation from hot bodies was due to some property of the atoms producing them.
Properties of Photon:
 Rest mass of photon is zero.
 They move with speed of light i.e. 3 × 108 ms-1.
 They are not deflected by electric or magnetic field (i.e. chargeless)
 They are indivisible.
Q: As rest mass of a photon is zero. Will its momentum be zero?
Ans: No, its momentum will not be zero. As its momentum is given by
E = mc2
E = (mc) c
E = pc ——— (i)
Also E = hf ——— (ii)
Comparing (i) and (ii)
pc = hf
hc c
pc = ( f = )
 
h
p =

Which is relation for momentum of photon.
Note:  – ray photon energy is of the order of 1 MeV. For radio waves E ≈ 10-10 eV. Due to high
energy single -ray photon can be detected by a radiation detector. But for same signal millions
of photons of radio-waves are needed. So wave like properties are predominant.
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 283

INTERACTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION WITH MATTER

Following are the processes in which electro magnetic radiation interacts with matter.
(i) Photo electric effect.
(ii) Compton effect.
(iii) Pair Production.
Photoelectric Effect:
When the light of suitable frequency falls on metal surface electrons are emitted, this process is
called photoelectric effect.
Photo Electrons:
The electrons emitted during this process are called photoelectrons and current produced due to
these photoelectrons is called photoelectric current.
incident
light
C X
A
colour V

filter
V

Experiment Arrangement:
Experimental arrangement consists of
 Evacuated glass tube with two electrodes.
 Ammeter
 Potential divider
 Voltmeter
 Light source
 Filter
Working:
When the monochromatic light falls on cathode C, the electrons are emitted. The current due to
photoelectrons is measured by an ammeter. The current stops when the light is cut off. It proves that
current flows because of incident light.
Maximum K.E of Photoelectrons:
The maximum K.E of electrons can be determined by reversing the terminals of battery in
circuit. In this case photoelectrons are repelled by anode. If potential is made more negative
photoelectric current approaches to zero. Even the electrons of maximum energy are not able to reach
anode.
(K.E)max = Voe
1 2
2 mv max = Voe
Where ‘m’ is mass ‘v’ is velocity and ‘e’ is charge on electron. Vo is called stopping
potential/reverse pot.
Stopping Potential:
The negative potential of anode at which the photoelectric current becomes zero is called a
stopping potential Vo.
284 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Results:
(i) The graph shows that change in intensity of light causes the change in current but the stopping
potential or K.E(max) of photoelectron remains constant. Number of emitted electrons depend
upon intensity of light.
Photoelectric
current
Ip I2 > I1

I2
I1

Vo 0
-V +V
(ii) The graph shows that the change in frequency of incident radiation causes the change in stopping
potential or the change in [Link] but photo current remains constant.
Ip
f2 > f1

f2
f1
-V 0 +V
(iii) The emission of photoelectrons from the metal surface depends upon the frequency of light.
(iv) The max K.E of photoelectrons depends on the stopping potential of the metal surface and
frequency of incident light.
Threshohld Frequency: For Your Information
“The minimum value of frequency of incident light at which
electrons are emitted from a metal surface is called threshold
frequency”. It depends upon metal surface.
Failure of Classical Electromagnetic Theory:
i) According to this theory the K.E of photoelectrons should
increase with intensity. While it is seen that the maximum K.E =
Voe depends upon the frequency and not on intensity.
ii) According to this theory photoelectric emission is not an
instaneous process. A graph of the maximum kinetic
iii) According to wave theory, the number of photoelectrons will be energy of photoelectrons vs.
increased with the increase in frequency. While experimentally number light frequency. Below a certain
of photoelectrons increases with increase in intensity of light. frequency fo, no photomission
occurs.

PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT ON BASIS OF QUANTUM THEORY

Explanation:
Einstein used Planck’s quantum theory to explain photoelectric effect. He proposed that a beam
of monochromatic light is incident on the metal surface in the form of photons. The energy of each
photon is given by
E = hf
Where  h = 6.63 × 1034 Js = Plank’s constant
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 285
Each photon collides with one electron. Then a photon is absorbed by only one electron. Thus
the photon losses its total energy to the electron.
Work Function:
It is minimum energy required by an electron to come out of the metal surface.
Einstein’s Photoelectric Effect Equation:
The energy of the incident photon can be used by the electron to break away from the metal
surface. And rest appears as the kinetic energy of electron i.e.
 Energy of  (work function) Max K.E of
incident photon = +  electrons 
hf =  + [Link]
1
hf =  + 2 mv2max
1 2
hf –  = 2 mv max
This is known as Einstein Photoelectric effect equation.
Special Case:
If [Link] of photoelectron is zero, the frequency ‘f’ equal to
threshold frequency “fo”.
hfo –  = 0
 = hfo
So, Einstein’s equation becomes.
hf – hfo = [Link]
Above equation holds good when electrons are ejected with full surplus energy.
Conclusion:
Some electrons come straight out of the metal surface and lose energy in atomic collisions before
coming out. It cannot be explained, if we consider that light consists of waves: and the energy is
uniformly distributed. It can be explained by assuming that light consists of corpuscles of energy known
“Photons”. Thus, photoelectric effect shows the particle nature of light.
Nobel prize:
Einstein was awarded Nobel Prize in 1921.
Photocell:
It is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy.
Principle:
The principle of photoelectric effect is used in photocell.
Construction:
It consists of an evacuated glass tube with two electrodes. Cathodes in the form of a concave
shaped plate and anode in the form of straight rod.
Electrons emitted by different cathodes:
Sodium and Potassium emits electrons for visible light. Cesium coated oxidized silver emits
electrons for infrared light. Other metals respond to ultraviolet radiations.
Working:
When light of suitable frequency falls on cathode electrons are emitted. The current varies with
intensity of light and stops when light beam is cut off.
286 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Uses: quartz or glass tube

 Automatic door systems

cathode
 Counting systems
 Security systems
 Exposure meter for photography.
 Sound track of movies. anode
 Automatic street lighting.

COMPTON’S EFFECT: (1923)

Statement:
An increase in wavelength of a scattered X-ray photon when it is scattered by loosely bound
electrons of some target like graphite is called Compton’s Effect.
According to Compton: i < s
“The scattering wave length of x-ray is greater than incident wave length of x-rays.”
Compton’s Explanation: Detector
Scattered
According to Compton, X-ray consists of photons and photon
S
they collide with electrons like billiard balls. In this collision a

part of incident photon energy and momentum is transferred to
i
an electrons.
Compton Shift: X-rays
Applying law of conservation of energy and momentum,
he derived an expression for the change in wave length (Compton Shift). Compton’s shift for an angle is
given by.
h S
∆λ = m c (1 – cosθ) pi = h h
o i = S
pS
∆λ = Compton shift photon
Ei e
mo = rest mass of electron. Ee
(free
c = velocity of light. electron)

Limitation of Classical Theory:

The increase in wavelength could not be explained on the basis of classical wave theory.
Compton Wave Length:
h
The factor m c is called Compton’s wavelength, as it has the dimension of length. It has
o
numerical value given by
h 6.63 × 10-34 -12
moc 9.1 × 1031 × 3 × 108 = 2.43 × 10 m
=
Special Cases:
a) If θ = 0º
h
∆λ = moc (1 – cosθ)
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 287
h
∆λ = moc (1 – cos(0))
h
∆λ = moc (1 – 1)
∆λ = 0
Result: ∆λ is minimum for θ = 0º
b) If θ = 90o
h
∆λ = moc (1 – cosθ)
h o
∆λ = moc (1 – cos(90 ))
h
∆λ = moc (1 – 0)
h
∆λ = moc
Result: Compton shift is equal to Compton wavelength.
c) If θ = 180o
h
∆λ = moc (1 – cosθ)
h o
∆λ = moc (1 – cos(180 ))
h
∆λ = moc (1 + 1)
2h
∆λ = moc
Result: ∆λ will be maximum (doubled).
Conclusion:
Compton’s effect is an experimental confirmation of particle nature of e.m radiation with matter.
Nobel Prize:
Compton was awarded Nobel Prize in 1927.
Differentiate between Compton’s effect and Photoelectric effect:
Photoelectric effect Compton effect
 It is the phenomenon of emission of  The phenomenon of scattering of photons
electrons from metal surface due to incident from loosely bounded electrons and
photons. scattered photon has increased wavelength.
 Photons are completely absorbed in the  Photon transfer partially its energy and
metal surface. momentum.
 Photons of visible light or U.V region of  Photons of X-rays are used.
e.m spectrum are used.

PAIR PRODUCTION

When a high-energy photon is stopped by a heavy nucleus. It converts into electron-positron

pair. Such a phenomenon is called pair production.
288 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Materialization of Energy:
Pair production is also called materialization of energy
because according to Einstein’s equation E = mc2, energy is
converted into matter. -ray Electron
Positron: Nucleus
+ Positron
A particle having mass and charge equal in magnitude
to that of an electron but the nature of charge is opposite is
called positron.
Energy And Momentum Conservation:
Pair production takes place in the vicinity of a heavy nucleus in presence of electric field. It takes
place in accordance with the Law of Conservation of Momentum, energy and charge. Pair production
cannot take place in vacuum.
Energy for pair  K.E of   K.E of 
[Energy of photon] =  production  + electron + Positron

As Condition For Pair Production

Rest mass energy of electron = moc2 = 0.51 MeV
Rest mass energy of positron = moc2 = 0.51 MeV
Total Energy = 2 moc2
= 2 x 9.1 x 10 –31 x 9 x 1016 J
2 x 9.1 x 10-31 x 9 x 1016
= 1.6 x 10-19 eV
= 2 x 0.511 x 106 eV
= 1.02 x 106 eV
Total energy = 1.02 MeV
Thus, pair production takes place if the maximum energy of photon ≥ 2moc2 .
The surplus energy will be carried away by the product in the form of K.E. So,
hf = 2moc2 + K.E (e -) + K.E (e +)

ANNIHILATION OF MATTER
When an electron and a positron come close, they annihilate each other and is converted into two
photons in the range of -rays. This process is called Annihilation of Matter.
This process is experimental verification of Einstein’s equation E = mc2.
Electron
-rays

e + e +   + 

-rays
+
Positron

Conservation Of Energy, Momentum and Charge:

The net momentum of electron and positron is equal to zero due to their opposite motion.
The Photons also move in opposite direction in order to conserve the momentum.
The net charge on electron and position is zero and photons also have zero charge.
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 289
Sum of energies of two photons is equal to sum of energies of electron and position.
Existence of Positron: Do You Know?
The existence of positron was predicted by Dirac in Light is, in short, the most refined form
1928 and Carl David Anderson discovered the positron in the of matter (Louis de Broglie 1892-1987)
cosmic rays in 1932 and he got Nobel Prize in 1936.
Particle and Antiparticle:
Every particle has a corresponding antiparticle with the same mass and opposite charge. A
particle and an antiparticle cannot exist together at one place, because when they meet they annihilate
each other. Proton and antiproton annihilation has also been observed at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.
Note:
2hf = 2moc2
hf = moc2
hf = 0.51 MeV For one photon.

de-BROGLIE HYPTHESIS: (1924)

According to De-Broglie, every particle having momentum also has wave nature and the
wavelength of the particle is the ratio of Plank’s constant to the momentum ‘p’ of the particle.
Explanation:
Momentum of a photon is given by:
h
P= ———— (i)
For a particle of mass ‘m’ moving with velocity ‘v’, momentum is given by:
p = mv ———— (ii)

h
Using eq (i) and (ii); mv = 

h
  = mv

 = Wave length associated with the motion of particle.

Wave Length of Large Mass:
For an object with large mass and ordinary speed has small wavelength. Its wave effects such as
interference and diffraction are negligible.
For a bullet:
m = 20g = 20 x 10-3 kg.
v = 330 ms-1
-34
h  6.63 x 10 
λ = mv (20 x 10 ) (330)
=  -3

λ = 1 x 10-34m
This wavelength is so small that it cannot be detected.
Wavelength of Subatomic Particles:
For an electron;
m = 9.1 × 10-31 kg.
V = 1 × 106 ms-1
h
λ = mv
 6.63 × 10-34 
λ = (9.1 × 10-31) × (1 × 106)
 
λ = 7 × 10-10m
This wavelength is in the X-rays range. Thus, diffraction effect for electrons are measurable.
290 Physics Intermediate Part-II

DAVISSON AND GERMER EXPERIMENT

(Experimental evidence to wave nature of electron)
Davison and Germer performed an experiment which provides the experimental verification of
wave nature of elements. They showed that electrons are diffracted from metal crystals in exactly the
same manners as X-rays.
Apparatus:
The experimental apparatus consists of:
Electron Gun: Electron
gun
It consists of a filament, which can generate electrons, which are
accelerated. Detector
Nickel Crystal:
Accelerated electrons are incident on this crystal.
Detector:
Nickel
It detects the electrons diffracted from the crystal. crystal
Procedure:
The electrons from the heated filament are accelerated by
potential difference ‘V’. These accelerated electrons are made incident on the Nickel crystal from where
they are diffracted like X-rays. These diffracted electrons are detected by the detector which gives the
angle of diffraction.
Calculation: For Your Information
According to De-Broglie hypothesis Screen
h
λ = p Double slit
h
λ = mv ________ (i)
For mv: Image of the
The K.E of electrons, which are ejected from filament Beam of double slit
electrons
depends on accelerated voltage of circuit i.e. (a)
Screen
1 2
eV = 2 mv
2eV = mv2
Multiplying by ‘m’ on both sides:
2eVm = m2v2
2eVm = (mv)2
2eVm = mv Beam of
electrons
So, eq (i) becomes:
h (b)
λ= (a) If electrons behaved as discrete
2meV particles with no wave properties, they
When electrons are accelerated by a potential difference would pass through one or the other of
the two slits and strike the screen
of 54 volts then, they are scattered at an angle of 65o after causing it to glow and produce exact
falling on Nickel Crystal target. images of the slits. (b) In reality the
-34 screen reveals a pattern of bright and
6.63 × 10
λ= -31 -19 dark fringes similar to light is used and
2 × 9.1 × 10 × 1.6 × 10 × 54 interference occurs between the light
λ = 1.66 x 10-10 m ________ (A) waves coming from each slit.
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 291
or λ = 1.66 Ao
Calculation from wave aspect:
Using Bragg’s equation experimental wavelength was calculated as:
2d sinθ = mλ _________ (ii)
st
For 1 order, m = 1
For nickel, d = 0.91 x 10-10m
θ = 65o
So, equation (ii) becomes
λ = 2× (0.9 × 10-10) (sin (65o)
λ = 1.65 × 10-10 __________(B)
OR
λ = 1.65Ao
Conclusion:
The experimentally observed wavelength is an excellent agreement with theoretical predicted
wave length by De-Broglie.
Nobel Prize:
 Davison Germer and G.P. Thomson shared Nobel Prize in 1937 for their experimental
confirmation of wave nature of particles.
 De-Broglie got Nobel Prize in 1929 for his work on dual nature of particles.

WAVE PARTICLE DUALITY

Light Wave As Well As Particle:
Interference and diffraction of light confirms its wave nature.
Photoelectric effect and Compton’s effects prove the particle nature of light.
Wave Particle Duality:
“Matter and radiation have a dual nature. The concept is known as Wave Particle Duality”.
Principle of Complementarity:
Neil Bohr pointed out in stating in his complementarity principle:
“Both wave and particle aspects are required for complete description of both radiation and
matter”.
Can both aspects be revealed in a single experiment:
No, both aspects i.e. wave and particle can not be revealed simultaneously in a single
experiment.
Conclusion:
All microparticle, (electrons, protons etc) propagate as if they were wave and exchange energies
as they were a particles, that is the wave-particle duality.

ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
It is a device in which highly energetic electron beam is used to view very minute objects which
are not visible by an optical microscope.
Principle:
Electron microscope is practical application of wave nature of particles.
Difference between electron microscope and optical microscope:
In electron microscope electric and magnetic fields are used rather than optical lenses to focus
electrons by means of electromagnetic forces.
Construction and Working:
The electrons are accelerated to high energies by applying a potential difference of 30 to 50 kV.
The wave length associated is extremely short. A magnetic condenser converges the beam of electrons
292 Physics Intermediate Part-II

on the specimens. The electrons are scattered from the thicker part of the specimen and transmitted
beam has a difference in density as compared to indicated beam. The difference in density depends upon
the features of specimen. The objective and intermediate lenses produce a real image and the projected
lenses form a final image on fluorescent screen or photographed on special film known as electron
micrograph.
Advantages: Do You Know?
 A 3-D dimensional image can also be obtained by In the subatomic world few things can
scanning electron microscope. be predicted with 100% precision.
 A resolution of 0.5  1nm is possible with 50 kV microscopes as compared to best possible
resolution of 0.2 m by an optical microscope.
 It can produce higher magnification i.e. almost 100000 times which may be 2000 times in an
optical microscope.

electron source

magnetic
condenser

specimen

magnetic
objective

first image

intermediate
image projector

second stage
magnified image

Electron microscope ( Block Diagram)

UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE
In 1927 Werner Heisenberg proposed his uncertainty principle on the basis of dual nature of
light.
Statement:
“Position and momentum of a particle cannot be measured simultaneously with perfect
accuracy”.
Limitations:
This uncertainty principle is completely negligible for measurement of position and momentum
of macroscopic objects but in case of microscopic objects it is not negligible.
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 293
Forms of principle:
The uncertainty principle has two forms:
 Position-momentum uncertainty.
 Energy-time uncertainty.
Position-Momentum Form:
“This principle states that the product of uncertainty in measurement of momentum and
uncertainty in measurement of position is nearly equal to planck’s constant (h)”.
Explanation: For Your Information
Suppose we want to measure the position and momentum of You can never accurately
an electron at some instant. Let  is the wavelength of light used to describe all aspects of a
measure position and momentum. When the photon strikes an subatomic particle at once.
electron it will change both the position and momentum of that electron.
Let x be the uncertainty in the measurement of position and p be the uncertainty in
measurement of momentum of electron. Let x is nearly equal to .
x   __________(i)
The change in momentum of electron is nearly equal to momentum of photon.
h
p   __________(ii)
From (i) and (ii) it is clear that if we use the light of greater wavelength momentum will be more
certain but position will become more uncertain and vice versa.
Taking product of eq (i) and (ii)
h
x × p   × 
 x p  h
This is mathematical form of uncertainty principle.
Energy Time Uncertainty:
Product of uncertainty in energy omitted and uncertainty in time ‘t’ is nearly equal to Planck’s
constant “h”.
 E.  t h
Conclusion:
The more accurately we determined the energy of particle, the more uncertain will be of the time
during which it has that energy.
For More Careful Calculation:
For more careful calculation;
∆x .∆p ≥ h
∆E .∆t ≥ h
h 6.63 × 10-34
Where  = 2π = 2 × 3.14
= 1.05 × 10-34 Js
Nobel Prize:
Heisenberg received Nobel Prize in 1932 for development of quantum mechanics.
294 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Short Questions
19.1 What are the measurements on which two observers in relative motion will always agree
upon?
Ans: The measurements on which two observers in relative motion will always agree.
1) Relative speed
2) Speed of light
3) Force on a moving object.
4) Acceleration of moving object.
19.2: Does the dilation means that time really passes more slowly in moving system or that it only
seems to pass more slowly?
Ans: According to the theory of relativity, time is not an absolute quantity. It depends upon the motion
of frame of reference. For an observer within his own system time passes normally. If observer is
moving w.r.t. frame of events, then time measured would change.
As,
to
t=
v2
1  c2
It implies that moving clocks appear to run slow.
19.3: If you are moving in a space ship at a very high speed relative to the Earth. Would you
notice a difference (a) In your pulse rate (b) In the pulse rate of people on Earth?
Ans: (a) When some one measures his own pulse rate in fast moving space ship. He will feel no
change in pulse rate, as there is no relative motion.
(b) As the ship is moving with very high-speed w.r.t earth. The pulse rate of the people on
earth will be slower as measured by the people in space ship according to relation.
to
t=
v2
1 c2
19.4: If the speed of light were infinite, what would the equations of special theory of relativity
reduce to?
v2
Ans: If c = ∞ than c2 = 0
to
(i) t =
v2
1 c2
t = to
v2
(ii) l = lo 1 c2
l = lo
mo
(iii) m =
v2
1  c2
m = mo
(iv) ∆E = ∆mc2
As m = 0
∆E = 0
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 295
Conclusion: Hence there will be no time dilation, length contraction, mass variation or change in
energy if speed of light becomes infinite.
19.5: Since mass is a from of energy, can we conclude that compressed spring has more mass
then the same spring when it is not compressed?
Ans: Yes, a compressed spring has more mass than same spring when it is uncompressed.
As E = mc2
E
m = c2
From above equation we can conclude that in order to produce a small change in mass we have
to produce very large change in energy. Hence, this increase in mass is negligibly small.
19.6: As a solid is heated and begins to glow why did it first appear red?
Ans: When a body is heated it emits radiations. Nature of radiation emitted by a hot body depends
upon its temperature.
1
As   T
So at low temperature the body emits radiation of longer wavelengths. As the longest wavelength
in visible region is of red, hence it first appears red.
19.7: What happens to total radiation from a black body if its absolute temperature is doubled?
Ans: The total energy radiated per unit time per unit area increases to 16 times.
Reason:
According to Stephen’s Boltzman’s Law:
E = T4
If T´ = 2T
Then E´ =  (2T)4
E´ = 16  T4
E´ = 16 E
Result: Thus energy becomes 16 times.
19.8: A beam of red light and a beam of blue light have exactly the same energy. Which beam
contains the greater number of photons?
Ans: Beam of red light contains greater number of photons.
Reason:
As,
E = hf
(For ‘n’ Photons)
E = nhf
nhc
E = λ
E
n = (hc ) 
As red and blue have same energies:
E/hc = constant
So, n
As, red > blue
So, red beam has greater number of Photons.
296 Physics Intermediate Part-II

19.9: Which photon red, green or blue carries the most:

(a) Energy ( b) Momentum
Ans: Blue light has most energy and momentum.
Reason:
hc 1
As, E =   E 

h 1
And P =   p 

Result: As blue light has the shortest wave length so, it carries most energy and momentum.
19.10: Which has the lower energy quanta? Radio waves or X-rays?
Ans: Radio waves has lower energy quanta.
Reason:
Energy of photon is given by:
hc
E= 
1
 E
As radiowave > rays
So, according to above relation radiowaves has lower energy quanta.
19.11: Does the brightness of a beam of light primarily depend on the frequency of photons or the
number of photons?
Ans: Yes, Brightness depends upon the number of photons.
Reason:
As the intensity or brightness is measure of number of photons. Thus, with the increase in
number of photons, brightness increases. Frequency of light determines the energy of
emitted particles.
19.12: When ultraviolet light falls on certain dyes certain visible light is emitted. Why does this
not happen when infrared light falls on these dyes:
Ans: When U.V falls:
When U.V light falls on the dyes, atoms of dyes are excited to high energy states. On de-
excitation, energy is emitted having lesser frequency in the form of visible light.
When Infrared Light Falls:
In case of infrared light, the energy of incident light on dyes is less than energy of visible light.
On de-excitation photons are emitted which are not observed.
19.13: Will bright light ejects more electrons from a metal surface than dimmer light of same
colour?
Ans: Yes, Bright light will eject more electrons than dimmer light of same frequency because bright
light has greater number of photons and number of electrons emitted from metal surface depends
upon number of incident photons.
19.14: Will higher frequency light eject greater number of electrons than low frequency light?
Ans: No, Number of electrons does not depend upon the frequency but depends upon intensity of
incident light. Higher frequency light will eject electrons of greater energy.
19.15: When light shines on a surface, is momentum transferred to metal surface?
Ans: Yes, when light falls on metal surface both momentum and energy of photons is transferred to
electrons in metal surface, i.e. light photons behave like particle and emit electrons from metal
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 297
surface when they transfer their energy and momentum to surface electrons as in case of
photoelectric effect.
19.16: When can red light be used in photographic dark room when developing films, but a blue
and white light cannot?
Ans: As energy of photon is given by
hc
E =

I
E 

Red light has least energy in visible spectrum. So, it will not affect photographic film. That’s
why red light is used while blue light can’t be.
19.17: Photon A has twice the energy of Photon B. What is ratio of momentum of A to that of B?
Ans: Energy of Photon A = EA
Energy of Photon B = EB
By given condition,
EA = 2EB
hc 2hc
= _____(i)
A B
hc
 (E = hf = )

h h
= 2  _______(ii)
A B 
h
P =

h
PA =
A
h
PB =
B
So, eq (ii) becomes,
PA = 2PB
PA 2
PB = 1
 PA : PB = 2:1
OR
Given
EA = 2EB
As E = pc
EA = pAc
EB = pB c
EA pAc
EB = pB c
2EB pAc
EB = pB c
298 Physics Intermediate Part-II

2 pA
1 = pB
19.18: Why don’t we observe a Compton effect with visible light?
Ans: For Compton effect we need an x-ray photon i.e. high energy photon. The visible light photons
are of very low energy. It may be absorbed by a single electron of an atom. So no scattering will
be observed. Hence we don’t observe Compton effect with visible light.
19.19: Can a pair production take place in vacuum? Explain.
Ans: No, pair production cannot take place in vacuum because it takes place in the neighborhood of a
heavy nucleus. Since vacuum does not contains a heavy nucleus and in absence of heavy nucleus
“law of conservation of momentum” will be violated.
19.20: Is it possible to create a single electron from energy? Explain.
Ans: No, It is not possible to create a single electron from energy because in this case law of
conservation of energy, charge and momentum will be violated.
19.21: If electron behaved only like particles, what pattern would you expect on the screen after
the electron passes through the double slit?
Ans: If electrons behaved only like particles then on the screen, no interference, or diffiaction pattern
will be observed. As electrons pass straight through double slits. Only the slit images are seen on
screen.
19.22: If an electron and proton have the same de brogile wavelength, which particle has greater
speed?
Ans: According to De-Broglie’s hypothesis.
h
 = mv
h h
v = ( = constant)
m 
As “” is same
1
So, V  m
Results:
As proton has greater mass than that of electron, therefore electron will have greater speed.
19.23: We do not notice the de Broglie wavelength for a pitched cricket ball? Explain.
Ans: According to de-Broglie’s hypothesis the wavelength of wave associated with a moving particle
is:
h
 = mv
As cricket ball has considerable large mass and slow speed, therefore the wave length associated
with it is so small that it is not detectable.
19.24: If the following particles have the same energy, which has the shortest wavelength?
Electron, alpha particle, neutron, proton.
Ans: As we know that;
h
 =
2meV
h
 =
2m(K.E)
1
 
m
By given condition all particles have same energy;
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 299
constant
λ =
m
1
λ 
m
Results:
As -particle has greater mass therefore it will have “shortest” wavelength.
19.25: When does light behave as a wave? When does it behave as a particle?
Ans: As Wave:
Light behaves like wave in following phenomenon:
(i) Interference
(ii) Diffraction
(iii) Polarization etc.
As Particle
Light behaves as particle in following phenomenon
(i) Photoelectric effect
(ii) Compton effect
(iii) Pair Production
19.26: What advantages an electron microscope has over an optical microscope?
Ans:
(i) Electron microscope has better resolution (0.5 to 1 nm) than that of optical microscope
(0.2 m)
(ii) Electron microscope has higher magnification than an optical microscope.
(iii) Electron microscope produces three-dimensional image of a very high quality as
compared to the two dimensional image of optical microscope.
19.27: If measurements show a precise position for an electron, can those measurements show
precise momentum also? Explain:
Ans: No, it is not possible. According to uncertainty principle both position and momentum of an
electron cannot be measured accurately with perfect accuracy because:
x  
h
p  
Result:
Thus if one quantity is measured accurately other becomes less accurate.

SOLVED EXAMPLES
Example 19.1:
The period of pendulum is measured to be 3s in the inertial reference frame of the pendulum.
What is its period measured by an observer moving at a speed of 0.95 c with respect to pendulum?
Solution:
Given Data
Time period in inertial frame = to = 3s
Speed = v = 0.95 c
To Find
Time period in non-inertial frame = t = ?
Calculation
Using formula
300 Physics Intermediate Part-II

to
t =
v2
1 c2
Putting values
3
t =
(0.95c)2
1  c2
3
t =
1-0.9025
t = 9.6 s
Result:
Time period in non-inertial frame t = 9.6 s
Example 19.2:
A bar 1m in length and located along x-axis moves with a speed of 0.75 c with respect to
stationary observer. What is the length of the bar as measured by the stationary observer.
Solution:
Given Data:
Proper length = lo = 1m
Speed = v = 0.75 c
To Find
Length of bar measured by stationary observer l = ?
Calculation
Using formula
v2
l = lo 1  c2
Putting values
(0.75c)2
= 1× 1  c2
= 0.66 m
Result:
Length of bar measured by stationary observer = l = 0.66 m
Example 19.3:
Find the mass m of a moving object with speed 0.8 c.
Solution:
Given Data:
Speed = v = 0.8 c
Rest mass of electron = mo
To Find:
Mass of the moving object = m = ?
Solution:
Using the formula
mo
m =
v2
1  c2
Putting values
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 301
mo
=
(0.8c)2
1  c2

m = 1.67 mo
Result:
Mass of moving object m = 1.67 mo
Example 19.4:
Assuming you radiate as does a blackbody at your body temperature about 37ºC, at what
wavelength do you emit the most energy?
Solution:
Given Data:
Temperature = T = 37ºC
= 310 K
Wein’s constant = 2.9 × 10-3 mK
To Find:
Wavelength = max = ?
Calculation
Using the relation
max × T = constant
Constant
max = T
Putting values
2.9 × 10-3
max = 310
max = 9.35 × 10-6 m
max = 9.35 m
Result:
Wavelength = max = 9.35 m
Example 19.5:
What is the energy of a photon in a beam of infrared radiation of wavelength 1240 nm?
Solution:
Given Data:
Wavelength =  = 1240 nm
= 1240 × 10-9 m
h = 6.63 × 10-34 Js
c = 3.0 × 108 m/s
To Find:
Energy of photon = E = ?
Calculation
Using the relation
hc
E =

302 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Putting values
6.63 × 10-34 × 3 × 108
E = 1240 × 10-9
E = 1.6 × 10-19 J
E = 1.0 eV
Result:
Energy of photon = E = 1.0 eV
Example 19.6:
A sodium surface is illuminated with light of wavelength 300 nm. The work function of sodium
metal is 2.46 eV.
(a) Find the maximum K.E. of the ejected electron
(b) Determine the cut off wavelength for sodium.
Solution:
Given Data:
Wavelength =  = 300 nm
= 300 × 10-9 m
Work Function=  = 2.46 eV = 2.46 × 1.6 × 10-19
= 3.94 × 10-19 J
To Find:
(a) Maximum K.E of ejected electron = (K.E)max= ?
(b) Cutt off wavelength for sodium = o = ?
Calculation
(a) For Energy of incident photon
Using the formula
hc
E =

Putting values
6.63 × 10-34 × 3 × 108
E = 300 × 10-9
-19 6.63 × 10-19
E = 6.63 × 10 J = 1.6 × 10-19 eV
E = 4.14 eV
hc
Now (K.E.)max = -

Putting values
= 4.14 eV – 2.46 eV
(K.E)max = 1.68 eV
(b) Using the relation
hc
 = hfo =
o
hc
 o =

[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 303
Putting values
6.63 × 10-34 × 3 × 108
= 3.94 × 10-19
o = 5.05 × 10-7 m = 505 × 10-9 m
o = 505 nm
Result:
Max. K.E. of ejected electron (K.E)max = 1.68 eV
Cut off wavelength = o = 505 nm
Example 19.7:
A 50 KeV photon is Compton scattered by a quasi-free electron. If the scattered photon
comes off at 45º, what is its wavelength?
Solution:
Given Data:
Energy of photon = E = 50 KeV
= 50 × 103 × 1.6 × 10-19J
= 80 × 10-16 J
Scattering angle =  = 45º
To Find:
Scattered wavelength =  = ?
Using the formula
Calculation
Using the formula
hc
E =

hc
  = E
Putting values
6.63 × 10-34 × 3 × 108
= 80 × 10-16 J
= 2.48 × 10-11 m
= 0.0248 × 10-9 m
= 0.0248 nm
Now
h
   = moc (1 – cos 45º)
6.63 × 10-34
= 9.1 × 10-31 × 3 × 108 (1 – 0.707)
= 0.2429 × 10-11 m × 0.293
 = 0.0007 nm
 =  + 0.0007 nm
= 0.0248 nm + 0.0007 nm
304 Physics Intermediate Part-II

 = 0.0255 nm
Result:
Scattered wavelength =  = 0.0255 nm
Example 19.8:
A particle of mass 5.0 mg moves with speed of 8.0 ms-1. Calculate its de-Broglie wavelength.
Solution:
Given Data:
Mass = m = 5 mg = 5 × 10-3 g
= 5 × 10-6 kg
Speed = v = 8 ms-1
To Find:
de Broglie wavelength =  = ?
Calculation
Using the relation
h
 = mv
Putting values
6.63 × 10-34
= 5 × 10-6 × 8.0
 = 1.66 ×10-29 m
Result:
de Broglie wavelength =  = 1.66 × 10-29 m
Example 19.9:
An electron is accelerated through a potential difference of 50 V. Calculate its de Broglie
wavelength.
Solution:
Given Data:
Mass of electron = m = 9.1 × 10-31 kg
Potential difference = Vo = 50 V
-19
Charge on electron = e = 1.6 × 10 C
To Find
de Broglie wavelength =  = ?
Calculation
Using the relation
h
 = mv .................... (i)
Since
1 2
2 mv = Voe

mv = 2mVoe
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 305
h
So  =
2mVoe
Putting values
6.63 × 10-34
 =
2 × 9.1 × 10-31 × 50 × 1.6 × 10-19
 = 1.74 × 10-10 m
Result:
de-Broglie wavelength =  = 1.74 × 10-10 m
Example 19.10:
The life time of an electron in an excited state is about 10-8 s. What is its uncertainty in energy
during this time.
Solution:
Given Data:
Life time of electron = t = 10-8 s
 = 1.05 × 10-34 Js
To Find
Uncertainty in energy = E = ?
Calculation
Using uncertainty principle
E . t  

E =
t
1.05 × 10-34
= 10-8
E = 1.05 × 10-26 J
Result:
Uncertainty in energy = E = 1.05 × 10-26 J
Example 19.11:
An electron is to be confined to a box of the size of nucleus (1.0×10-14 m). What would be the
speed of electron be if it were so confined?
Solution:
Given Data:
Size of box = x = 1.0 × 10-14 m
 = 1.05 × 10-34 Js
To Find
Speed of electron v = ?
Calculation
Using the formula
P . x  
306 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Put P = m v
So m v x = 

 v =
mx
1.05 × 10-34
= 9.1 × 10-31 × 1 × 10-4
v = 1.15 × 1010 ms-1
Result:
Speed of electron v = 1.15 × 1010 ms-1

NUMERICALS PROBLEMS

19.1 A particle called the pion lives on the average only about 2.6 × 10-8 s when at rest in the
laboratory. It then changes to another form. How long would such a particle live when
shooting through the space at 0.95c?
t = ?
to = 2.6  10-8 s
V = 0.95c
Solution:
to
t =
v2
1  c2
2.6  10-8
=
(0.95c)2
1 c2
2.6  10-8
=
1  0.902
2.6  10-8
=
0.0975
= 8.3  10-8s
19.2 What is the mass of a 70 kg man in a space rocket traveling at 0.8 c from us as measured
from Earth?
mo = 70 kg
m = ?
V = 0.81c
Solution:
mo
m =
v2
1  c2
70
=
(0.81c)2
1  c2
70
=
1  0.64
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 307
70
=
0.36
70
= 0.6
= 116.7kg
19.3 Find the energy of photon in
(a) Radiowave of wavelength 100 m
(b) Green light of wavelength 550 nm
(c) X-ray with wavelength 0.2 nm
1 = 100m
2 = 550 nm
= 550  10-9m
3 = 0.2nm = 0.2  10-9m
E1 = ?
E2 = ?
E3 = ?
Solution:
For E1 :
hc
E1 =
1
6.63  10-34  3  108
= 100
= 1.98  10-27J
As
1J = 6.25  1018eV
E1 = 1.98  10-27  6.25  1018eV
= 1.24  10-8eV
For E2 :
hc
E2 =
2
6.63  10-34  3  108
=
550  10-9
= 3.6  10-19J
1J = 6.25  1018eV
E2 = 3.6  10-19  6.25  1018eV
= 2.26eV
For E3 :
hc
E3 =
3
6.63  10-34  3  108
=
0.2  10-9
= 9.945  10-16J
1J = 6.25  1018eV
E3 = 9.945  10-16  6.25  1018eV
= 6200eV
308 Physics Intermediate Part-II

19.4 Yellow light of 577 nm wavelength is incident on a cesium surface. The stopping voltage is
found to be 0.25 V. Find
(a) the maximum K.E. of the photoelectrons
(b) the work function of cesium
 = 577nm
 = 577  10-9m
Vo = 0.25V
[Link] = ?
 = ?
Solution:
For [Link]
[Link] = Voe
= 0.25  1.6  10-19
= 4  10-20J
For :
hf = [Link] + 
 = hf – [Link]
hc
 = [Link]

6.63  10-34  3  108
= 4  10-20
577  10-9
= 3.04  10-19J
1J = 6.25  1018eV
 = 3.04  10-19  6.25  1018eV
= 1.90eV
19.5 X-rays of wavelength 22 pm are scattered from a carbon target. The scattered radiation
being viewed at 85º to the incident beam. What is Compton shift?
 = 22pm
 = 22  10-12 m
 = 85
 = ?
Solution:
h
 = moc [1  cos]
6.63  10-34
= [1 – cos85]
9.1  10-31  3 108
= 2.2  10-12m
19.6 A 90 keV X-ray photon is fired at a carbon target and Compton scattering occurs. Find the
wavelength of the incident photon and the wavelength of the scattered photon for
scattering angle of (a) 30º (b) 60º
E = 90keV
= 90  103eV
= 90  103  1.6  10-19J
= 1.44  10-14J
 = ?
1 = ?
 = 30
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 309
2 = ?
2 = 60
Solution:
For :
hc
E =

hc
 = E
6.63  10-34  3  108
=
1.44  10-14
= 1.38  10-11m
= 13.8  10-12m
= 13.8pm
For 1:
h
 = moc [1  cos]
h
1 -  = moc [1  cos1]
h
1 =  + m c [1  cos1]
o

-12 6.63  10-34

1 = 13.8  10 + [1 – cos30]
9.1  10-13  3  108
= 1.41  10-11m
= 14.1  10-12m
= 14.1pm
For 2 :
h
2   = moc [1  cos2]
h
2 =  + m c [1  cos2]
o

-12 6.63  10-34

2 = 13.8  10 + [1 – cos60]
9.1  10-13  3  108
= 1.5  10-11m
= 15  10-12m
= 15pm
19.7 What is the maximum wavelength of the two photons produced when a positron annihilates
an electron? The rest mass energy of each is 0.51 MeV.
Eo = 0.51 MeV
= 0.51  106eV
= 0.51  106  1.6  10-19J
max = ?
Solution:
hc
Eo =
max
hc
max = Eo
310 Physics Intermediate Part-II

6.63  10-34  3  108

=
8.16  10-14
= 2.43  10-12m
19.8 Calculate the wavelength of
(a) a 140 g ball moving at 40 ms-1
(b) a proton moving at the same speed
(c) an electron moving at the same speed
Mass of ball = m1 = 140g = 0.140kg
Mass of electron = m2 = 9.1  10-31 kg
Mass of proton = m3 = 1.67  10--27 kg
v = 40ms-1
1 = ?
2 = ?
3 = ?
Solution:
For 1 :
h
1 = mv
h
1 = m1v1
6.63  10-34
=
0.140  40
= 1.18  10—34m
For 2 :
h
2 = m2v2
6.63  10-34
= = 1.82 × 105 m
9.1  10-31  40
For 3 :
h
3 = m3v
6.63  10-34
=
1.67  10-27 40
= 9.92  109
= 9.92nm
19.9 What is the de Borglie wavelength of an electron whose kinetic energy is 120 eV?
E = 120eV
= 120  1.6  10—19J
= 1.92  10—17J
 = ?
Solution:
h
 =
2Vem
As
Ve = K.E
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 311
6.63  10-34
 =
2(K.E)m
6.63  10-34
=
2(1.92  10-17)  9.1  10-31
= 1.12  10-10m
19.10 An electron is placed in a box about the size of an atom that is about 1.0×10-10 m. What is the
velocity of the electron?
x = 1.0  10-10m
v = ?
Solution:
Px  h
(mv)x  h
h
v =
mx
6.63  10-34
=
9.1  10-31  1  10-10
= 7.29  106ms-1
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Strictly speaking the frame of reference of earth is
(a) Inertial (b) non-accelerating (c) non-inertial (d) both a & b
2. Two photons are moving in opposite directions. The relative velocity between them is
(a) c (b) 2c (c) c/2 (d) zero
3. Einstein proposed the general theory of relativity in
(a) 1904 (b) 1916 (c) 1906 (d) 1910
4. An observer sitting in an aero-plane moving with a very high speed observes a meter rod
placed on the earth. The rod appears to him:
(a) 1.5 meter (b) Less than one meter
(c) One meter (d) Two meters
5. The mass of an object will be doubled at speed:
(a) 2.6 108 m/s (b) 1.6  108 m/s (c) 2.6  107 m/s (d) 3.6  107 m/s
6. A body moving with speed 0.8c has mass ______mo
(a) 2 (b) 1.66 (c) 2.66 (d) 3.33
7. Relativistic time is ______ than time measured in relativistic rest frame of reference
(a) Less (b) Greater (c) Equal (d) All of these possible
8. Compartment of a train moving along a curved path with uniform speed is example of ____
(a) Inertial frame (b) Non inertial frame (c) Both (d) None of these
9. Absorption & emissive power of perfect black body is:
(a) Zero (b) 1 (c) 0.5 (d) Infinite
10. The discrete nature of radiation was introduced by:
(a) Rayleigh-Jean (b) Max Carl Wien (c) Max Plank (d) JJ Thomson
312 Physics Intermediate Part-II

11. When a space ship is moving with a velocity of 3 c , its mass appears to be _______
2
(a) Halved (b) Double (c) Same (d) None
12. When a mass of a body appeared to be doubled its speed is _____
(a) 0.9c (b) 0.866c (c) 0.707c (d) None of these
13. Any coordinate system relative to which measurement are taken is known as
(a) Infinity point (b) Frame of reference (c) Zero point (d) None of these
14. If relative effects are not taken in account, speed could not be determine any closer than
(a) 20ms-1 (b) 200ms-1 (c) 20cms-1 (d) 200cms-1
15. The length contraction happens only
(a) Along the direction of motion (b) Perpendicular of the direction of motion
(c) Opposite the direction of motion (d) None of these
–2 –4
16. Value of Stefen’s constant is ________Wm K
(a) 5.67 × 10–7 (b) 5.67 × 10–9 (c) 5.67 × 10–8 (d) 2.9 × 10–9
17. λmax for a black body at 37oC is _____ µm
(a) 1.0 (b) 9.35 (c) 5.67 (d) 2.9
18. The nature of radiation emitted by a body depends upon
(a) Mass of body (b) Volume of body
(c) Temperature of body (d) All of these
19. When a platinum wire is heated, it appears cherry red at about
(a) 500oC (b) 900oC (c) 1100oC (d) 1300oC
20. The momentum of a moving photon is
h  h
(a) p= f (b) p = h (c) p = (d) p=mc2

21. As the temperature of black body is raised, the wavelength
(a) Shifts towards longer value (b) Remain same
(c) Shifts toward smaller value (d) None of these
22. Wien’s constant is about
(a) 6.63 x 10-34 Js (b) 2.9 x 10-34 Js (c) 2.9 x 10-3 m-K (d) 6.63 x 10-24 Js
23. When the platinum heated at 13000 then its turns
(a) Cherry Red colour (b) Yellow colour (c) Orange colour (d) Dull red colour
24. Working principle of photocell is based on
(a) Compton effect (b) Pair production
(c) Photoelectric effect (d) None of these
25. Photoelectric effect was discovered by
(a) Einstein (b) Hertz (c) Max Plank (d) Wiens
26. In photoelectric emission the number of electrons ejected per second is proportional to the:
(a) Intensity of light (b) Wavelength of light
(c) Frequency of light (d) Work function of the material
27. At stopping potential, the photoelectric current becomes:
(a) Minimum (b) Maximum (c) Zero (d) Infinity
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 313
28. Stopping potential depends on:
(a) Frequency of incident light (b) Intensity of incident light
(c) Number of emitted electrons (d) Number of incident photons
29. A point source of light is used in a photoelectric effect. If the source is moved farther from
the emitting metal the stopping potential:
(a) Will increase (b) Will decrease
(c) Will Remain constant (d) Will either increase or decrease
30. If the frequency of light in a photoelectric experiment is doubled, the stopping potential
will:
(a) Be doubled (b) Behalfed
(c) Become more than double (d) Become less than double
31. A proton and an electron are accelerated by the same potential difference. Let e and p
denote the de Broglie wavelength of the electron and the proton respectively then:
(a) e = p (b) e < p (c) e > p (d) None
32. If the energy of photon is 10eV and work function is 5eV, then the value of stopping
potential will be:
(a) 15 V (b) 5 V (c) 2 V (d) 50 V
33. The necessary condition for photoelectric emission is:
(a) h f < h f o (b) h f > hf o (c) Ek < h f o (d) Ek > h f o
34. Compton effect make use of law of conservation of
(a) Energy (b) Momentum (c) Charge (d) All of these
35. In Compton effect, photon is ______
(a) UV (b) X ray (c) γ ray (d) none of these
36. Frequency of scattered photon fS is ______
(a) less than fi (b) greater than fi (c) equal than fi (d) None of these
37. Compton shift is max. at ______
(a) θ = 0o (b) θ = 90o (c) θ = 180o (d) None of these
o
38. Value of Compton shift at 60 is ______pm
(a) 121 (b) 1.21 (c) 12.1 (d) None
39. In photoelectric effect, for emitted electron to move with certain K.E the threshold
frequency fo is given by
(a) f0≤ f (b) f0≥f (c) f0 < f (d) f0>f
40. Compton was awarded Nobel prize in physics in
(a) 1921 (b) 1927 (c) 1827 (d) 1980
41. The rest mass energy of an electron or positron is equal to
(a) 1.02 MeV (b) 0.511 MeV (c) 1 MeV (d) 5MeV
42. Sodium and potassium cathode emits
(a) Electrons for violet light (b) Electrons for visible light
(c) Protons for infrared light (d) Electrons for infrared light
43. Cesium coated oxidation silver emits
(a) Electrons for violet light (b) Electrons for visible light
(c) Protons for ultra violet light (d) Electrons for infrared light
314 Physics Intermediate Part-II

44. The photo cells are used to operate

(a) Automatic street lighting (b) Counting system
(c) Security system (d) All of these
45. The photo electric effect can be explained by
(a) Wave nature of light (b) Electromagnetic nature of light
(c) Special theory of relativity (d) Quantum theory of light
46. In Compton effect, Compton shift becomes equal to the Compton wavelength at
(a) 00 (b) 450 (c) 600 (d) 900
47. The existence of positron was predicted by
(a) Compton (b) Dirac (c) De Broglie (d) Heisenberg
48. In pair annihilation two photons are produced which are traveling in opposite directions so
that:
(a) Mass is conserved (b) Charged is conserved
(c) Momentum is conserved (d) All of these
49. The materialization of energy takes place in the process:
(a) Annihilation (b) Pair production
(c) Compton effect (d) Photo-electric effect
50. Positron was discovered in the cosmic radiation by
(a) Thomson (b) Anderson (c) Millikan (d) Chadwick
51. The existence of positron was experimentally confirmed by Carl Anderson in
(a) 1922 (b) 1924 (c) 1928 (d) 1932
52. Electron Micro Scope works by considering the ______ nature of electrons.
(a) particle (b) wave (c) both (d) none of these
53. De-Broglie’s wave length is given by _____
h
(a) h/p (b) p / h (c) mc (d) None
54. de-Broglie waves are associated with:
(a) Moving charged particles only (b) Stationary charged particles only
(c) All moving particles only (d) All particles whether in motion or at rest
55. Of the following, the one which has the largest de Broglie wavelength for the same speed is:
(a) Electron (b) Proton (c) -particle (d) Oxygen atom
56. A proton and an  - particle are accelerated through the same potential difference. The
ratio of their de Broglie wavelengths is:
1
(a) 2 (b) (c) 2 2 (d) 2
2
57. The de Broglie wavelength of a particle of mass m moving with a kinetic energy E is:
h h h h
(a) 2mE (b) (c) 2mE (d) 2mE
2mE
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 315
58. An Electron, accelerated by a potential difference V, has de-Broglie wavelength .If the
electron is accelerated by a potential difference 4V,its de-Broglie wavelength will be:
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) /2 (d) /4
59. Davisson determined the wavelength of scattered electron from the relation
h h 2h h
(a) = 2mVe (b) = (c)  = (d)  =
2mVe mVe mVe
60. If an electron is accelerated through a potential difference of 54 volts, its de-Broglie
wavelength will be
(a) 1.66 × 10–8 m (b) 1.66 × 10–9 m (c) 1.66 × 10–10 m (d) 1.66 × 10–12 m
61. The Davison and Germer experiment confirms __________nature of electrons.
(a) Wave (b) Particle (c) Dual (d) None of these
62. An electron and a proton, behaving as a wave, have the same wavelength. They have the
same:
(a) Energy (b) Linear momentum (c) Speed (d) Angular momentum
63. When visible light is incident on a metal surface no photoelectrons are emitted. If a second
beam is to be selected for electron emission it must be:
(a) Radio wave (b) UV radiation (c) IR radiation (d) Microwave
64. If the KE of a free electron doubles then its de-Broglie wavelength change by a factor:
1 1
(a) 2 (b) (c) 2 (d) 2
2
65. In Davison and Germer experiment, target crystal is made up of
(a) Copper (b) Aluminum (c) Nickel (d) Silver
66. Interference and diffraction of light confirm its
(a) Particle nature of light (b) Wave nature of light
(c) Dual nature of light (d) Electromagnetic nature of light
67. Prince Louis Victor de Broglie received Nobel prize in
(a) 1929 (b) 1981 (c) 1939 (d) 1829
68. A three dimensional image of remarkable quality can be achieved by modern versions
called
(a) Scanning electron microscope (b) Scanning proton microscope
(c) Scanning electron telescope (d) Scanning electron spectrometer
69. Heisenberg uncertainty principle was proposed in
(a) 1921 (b) 1927 (c) 1937 (d) 1932
Answer Key
1. c 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. a
6. b 7. b 8. b 9. b 10. c
11. b 12. b 13. b 14. c 15. a
316 Physics Intermediate Part-II

16. c 17. b 18. c 19. b 20. c

21. c 22. c 23. b 24. c 25. b
26. a 27. c 28. a 29. c 30. a
31. c 32. b 33. b 34. d 35. b
36. a 37. c 38. b 39. c 40. b
41. b 42. b 43. d 44. d 45. d
46. d 47. b 48. c 49. b 50. b
51. d 52. b 53. a 54. c 55. a
56. c 57. b 58. c 59. b 60. c
61. a 62. b 63. b 64. b 65. c
66. b 67. a 68. a 69. b

PAST PAPERS OF ALL PUNJAB BOARDS

(2016-2017)
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. The change in wavelength of scattered photon in Compton effects is.
h h m0 h
a) (1  cos) b) m c2 (1  cos) c) hc (1  cos) d) m02c2 (1  cos)
m0c 0

2. The value of Stefan’s constant is.

a) 5.67 × 10–6 wm2k4 b) 5.67 × 10–10 wm2k4
c) 5.67 × 10–8 wm2k4 d) 5.67 × 10–4 wm2k4
3. Compton’s shift in wavelength of () is zero, when scattered angle of photon is.
a) 90º b) 180º c) 0º d) 45º
4. The velocity at which the mass of a body become double is.
3 2 3
a) c b) c c) 4 c d) C
2 3
5. We can find from de Broglie formula.
a) Wavelength b) Amplitude of wave c) Speed of wave d) Frequency of wave
6. Energy of black body radiation depends upon.
a) Nature of surface of body b) Nature of material body
c) Shape and size of body d) Temperature of the body
7. The special theory of relativity based on.
a) 1 postulate b) 2 postulates c) 3 postulates d) 4 postulates
8. According to Stefan’s Law about black body radiations is.
1
a) E  T2 b) E  T2 c) E  T4 d) ET

9. Then platinum wire is heated is appears cherry red at temperature.

a) 500ºC b) 900ºC c) 1100ºC d) 1300ºC
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 317
10. The platinum wire becomes white t a temperature_________ of.
a) 1600ºC b) 1100ºC c) 1000ºC d) 600ºC
11. Wave nature of light appears in.
a) Pair production b) Compton effect
c) Photo electric effect d) Interference
12. Compton effect proves.
a) Wave nature of radiation b) Wave nature of particle
0c) Dual nature of particle d) Particle nature of radiations
13. 1 Kg mass will be equivalent to energy.
a) 9 × 108 J b) 9 × 1012 J c) 9 × 1016 J d) 9 × 1019 J
14. Disintegration of photon on striking a nucleus into an electron and positron is.
a) Annihilation of matter b) Compton effect
c) Pair production d) Photo electric effect
15. Two photons approach each other, their relative speed will be.
a) 2C b) Zero c) Less than C d) C
16. ________ has the largest de Broglie wavelength at same speed.
a) Proton b)   particle c) Carbon atom d) Electron
17. The dimensions of Planck’s constant are same as that of.
a) Energy b) Power c) Acceleration d) Angular momentum
18. Antiparticle of electron is.
a) Proton b) Photon c) Neutron d) Positron
19. Using relativistic effects the location of an air craft after an hour’s flight can be predicted about.
a) 20m b) 50m c) 760m d) 780m
20. In order to increase the K.E of ejected photo electrons there should be an increase in.
a) Intensity of radiation b) Wavelength of radiation
c) Frequency of radiation d) Both as b and c
21. Compton’s effect is associated with.
a) Gamma rays b) Beta rays c) x-rays d) Positive rays
22. When platinum is heater, is becomes orange at.
a) 500ºC b) 900ºC c) 1100ºC d) 1300ºC
23. Potassium cathode in photocell emits electrons for a light.
a) Visible b) Infra red c) Ultraviolet d) X-rays
24. The rest mass energy of an electron positron pair is.
a) 0.51MeV b) 1.02MeV c) 1.2MeV d) 1.00MeV
25. Production of X-rays is reverse process of.
a) Photo electric effect b) Compton effect
c) Annihilation d) Pair production
26. The momentum of photon is given by.
h l
a) p = mv b) p = c) P=h d) P=h

27. Energy of each positron is given by.
a) 2MeV b) 1.02MeV c) 0.51MeV d) 5MeV
318 Physics Intermediate Part-II

28. 0.1Kg mass will be equivalent to the energy.

a) 5 × 108 Joules b) 6 × 1019 Joules c) 9 × 1016 Joules d) 9 × 1015 Joules
29. The maximum Kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons depends upon.
a) The intensity of incident light b) Frequency of the incident light
c) Metal surface d) Both frequency of incident light and metal surface
30. The Compton shift in wavelength will be maximum when angle of scattering is.
a) 90º b) 45º c) 180º d) 30º
31. When an electron combines with a positron, we gain.
a) One photon b) Three photons c) Two photons d) Four photons
32. The momentum of a photon of frequency f is.
hc hf c f
a) f b) c) hf d) hc
c
33. Blue light has frequency 7.5 × 1014Hz. Its energy is.
a) 9.3eV b) 6.2eV c) 5.6eV d) 3.1eV

PAST PAPERS OF RAWALPINDI BOARDS

(PAPER 2017)
(Group-I + Group-II)
MCQs:
1. When an electron combines with a positron we gain:
(a) One photon (b) Three photons (c) Two photons (d) Four photons
2. The Compton’s shift in wavelength will be maximum when angle of scattering is:
(a) 90 (b) 45 (c) 180 (d) 30
3. 0.1 kg mass will be equivalent to the energy:
(a) 5  108 J (b) 6  1019 J (c) 9  1016 J (d) 9  1015 J
4. The max. K.E of emitted photoelectron depends upon:
(a) Intensity of incident light (b) Frequency of incident light
(c) Metal surface (d) Both (b) and (c)
Short Questions:
1. Does the dilation means the time really pass more slowly in moving system or that it only
seems?
2. If the following particles have same energy which has the shortest wavelength -particle or
neutron?
3. Find mass ‘m’ of moving object with speed 0.8 C.
4. We do not notice de-Broglie wavelength for a pitched cricket ball. Explain why?
5. Will higher frequency light eject greater number of electrons than low frequency?
Long Questions:
1. State the postulates of special theory of relativity. Also write results of special theory of relativity
without going into their mathematical derivations.
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 319
2. What is photoelectric effect? How its different results were successfully explained by Einstein?
(PAPER 2018)
(Group-I + Group-II)
MCQs:
1. Max. Compton shift is observed at:
(a) 0 (b) 90 (c) 180 (d) 45
2. Light of 4.5 eV is incident on a cesium surface and stopping potential is 0.25 V, max. K.E.
of emitted electron is:
(a) 4.5 eV (b) 4.25 eV (c) 4.75 eV (d) 0.25 eV
Short Questions:
1. Define pair production and annihilation of matter.
2. Which has the lower energy quanta? Radio waves or X-rays.
3. Is it possible to create single electron from energy? Explain.
4. Is energy conserved when an electron emits a photon of light?
Long Questions:
1. A 96 keV X-ray photon is fired at a carbon target and Compton’s scattering occur. Find the
wavelength of incident photon and scattered photon for scattering angle of 60.
(PAPER 2019)
(Group-I + Group-II)
MCQs:
1. At low temperature, a body emits radiations of:
(a) Shorter wavelength (b) Longer wavelength
(c) High frequency (d) High frequency and shorter wavelength
2. The value of Stefan’s constant ‘’ is:
(a) 6.67  108 Wm2K4 (b) 6.67  108 Wm2K14
(c) 6.67  1018 Wm2K4 (d) 5.67  108 Wm2K4
3. For which metal, the photoelectrons are emitted by using visible light?
(a) Sodium (b) Copper (c) Nickel (d) Cobalt
4. The production of X-rays is the reverse process of:
(a) Photoelectric effect (b) Compton’s effect
(c) Annihilation (d) Pair production
Short Questions:
1. What advantages an E.M has over optical microscopes?
2. Why do we don’t observe Compton effect with visible light?
3. Define position and Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
4. State uncertainty principle. Give its two mathematical form.
5. Is energy conserved when an atom emits a photon of light?
320 Physics Intermediate Part-II

6. We do not notice the de-Broglie wavelength for a pitched cricket ball. Explain why?
7. Why don’t we observe a Compton’s effect with visible light?
Long Questions:
1. What is meant by photoelectric effect? Explain it with reference to:
(i) intensity of light (ii) frequency of light a
Also write and discuss its important results.
2. What did de-Broglie propose about wave nature of particles? Also write the Davison and Germer
experiment that confirm the wave nature of particles?
(PAPER 2021)
(Group-I + Group-II)
MCQs:
1. When platinum wire is heated it appears cherry red at:
(a) 1300C (b) 1100C (c) 900C (d) 500C
2. The value of Wein’s constant is:
(a) 2.9  103 mK (b) 2.9  103 mK (c) 2.9 mK (d) 2.9  102 mK
Short Questions:
1. Can pair production take phase in vacuum? Explain.
2. What happens to total radiation of a black body if its absolute temperature is doubled?
3. Define work function and threshold frequency.
Long Questions:
1. A particle of mass 5 mg moves with speed of 8 ms1. Calculate its de-Broglie wavelength.
(PAPER 2022)
(Group-I + Group-II)
MCQs:
1. The mass energy of photoelectrons depends on:
(a) Frequency (b) Intensity (c) Power (d) Illumination
2. Compton’s shift in wavelength is zero when scattering angle of photon is:
(a) 30 (b) 60 (c) 0 (d) 90
3. If an object moves with the speed of light, its mass will be:
(a) Zero (b) Max. (c) Min. (d) Infinity
4. Which of following has the largest de-Broglie wavelength at same speed?
(a) Proton (b) -particles (c) Carbon atom (d) Electron
Short Questions:
1. Can pair production take place in vacuum?
2. Photon ‘A’ has twice the energy of photon ‘B’. What’s the ratio of momentum of ‘A’ to that of
‘B’?
3. Will bright light ejects more electron from metal surface than diameter light of source colour?
[Chapter-19] Dawn of Modern Physics 321
4. Which has the lower energy quanta? Radio waves or X-rays.
5. Why don’t we observer Compton effect with visible light?
6. Find the mass ‘m’ of a moving object will speed 0.8 C.
Long Questions:
1. What is the energy of a photon in a beam of I.R radiations of wavelength 1240 nm?
2. Assuming you radiate as does black body at your body temperature about 37C, at what
wavelength, its you emit the most energy?
(PAPER 2023
(Group-I + Group-II)
Short Questions:
1. Calculate Compton shift for scattering angle of 180.
2. Define work function. Write its SI unit.
3. What are advantages of as E.M over optical microscope?
4. Why radio waves show wave nature while gamma rays don’t?
5. Define Compton’s effect and write relation for its wavelength.
6. Can pair production take place in vacuum? Explain.
7. Which has lower energy quanta? Radio waves or X-rays?
8. The period of pendulum is measured to be 3.0 s in the material reference frame of the pendulum?
What is its period measured by an observer moving at a speed of 0.95 C with respect to
pendulum?
Q.6 Long Questions:
1. What is wave nature of particles? How this idea was confirmed by Davison and Germer?
2. Define and explain photoelectric effect. Give Einstein’s explanation of photoelectric effect.

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