DAVISSON-GERMER
EXPERIMENT
Mael Hamiti
WHAT IS THE DAVISSON-
GERMER EXPERIMENT?
The Davisson-Germer experiment,
This experiment was significant
conducted in 1927, demonstrated the
because it provided direct evidence
wave nature of electrons, a key idea in
for Louis de Broglie's hypothesis
quantum [Link] the experiment,
that particles, like electrons, can
electrons were fired at a nickel crystal,
behave as waves. This discovery was
and the pattern of scattered electrons
crucial in developing quantum
was observed. The resulting diffraction
mechanics, showing that matter has
pattern resembled the interference
both particle and wave properties
patterns seen with waves, confirming
that electrons exhibit wave-like
behavior.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
After the discovery of electrons in 1897, scientists wondered if
these tiny particles could also act like waves. Early ideas in
quantum theory suggested that particles might behave like
both waves and particles. The Davisson-Germer experiment in
1927 proved this by showing that when electrons were shot at a
crystal, they created a pattern like waves. This was important
for understanding the behavior of matter and helped shape
quantum mechanics.
KEY SCIENTISTS
Clinton Davisson
Lester Germer
PURPOSE OF THE
EXPERIMENT
The Davisson-Germer experiment aimed to
study how electrons scatter off metal surfaces.
However, it unexpectedly revealed that
electrons create a wave-like diffraction pattern,
confirming their wave nature and supporting
quantum theory.
APPARATUS
Electron Gun (left): Shoots a beam of electrons toward
the nickel crystal.
Nickel Crystal (center): Acts as the target, where
electrons scatter after interacting with the crystal's
surface.
Detector (right): Measures the pattern of scattered
electrons, helping to observe the wave-like diffraction
pattern.
PROCEDURE
An electron gun sent a stream of electrons towards a
target. The gun heated up, which made the electrons
come out.
The electrons hit a nickel crystal.
Instead of just scattering randomly, the electrons
created a pattern. This was similar to how waves
behave, showing that electrons act like waves.
A detector was placed at different angles to see
where the electrons scattered. By moving the
detector, the researchers could see the patterns and
confirm that electrons behave like waves.
BRAGG’S LAW
Bragg’s Law explain how waves can be reflected. The formula is :
nλ = 2d sin θ
n is an interger(1,2,3)
λ is the wavelength of the electrons
d is the distance between atomic layers in crystal
θ(theta) is the angle of the scattered electrions
DE BROGLIE
HYPOTHESIS
De Broglie suggested that particles like electrons
have a wavelength.
λ = h/mv
h is a constant number, 6.62607015×10−34
m/v is the movement of electrons 1.6565 × 10 − 24
kg ⋅ m / s
RESULTS
BRAGG’S LAW
RESULTS
DE BROGLIE
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Davisson-Germer
experiment proved that electrons can
behave like waves. This was a key
finding in quantum mechanics and
changed how scientists view
CITATION
[Link]
Key Notes on De-broglie Principle and Hypothesis. (2024, May 2).
Unacademy. [Link]
material/chemistry/de-broglie-principle-and-
hypothesis/#:~:text=The%20de%20Broglie%20hypothesis%20demonstrat
ed,an%20aberrant%20behaviour%20of%20light.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Bragg law". Encyclopedia
Britannica, 9 Aug. 2024, [Link]
Accessed 8 October 2024.
[Link]
davisson-lester-h-germer/diffraction-of-electrons-by-a-crystal-of-
nickel?
soldItem=true#:~:text=Clinton%20Davisson%20and%20Lester%20Germer,e
arned%20Davisson%20a%20Nobel%20Prize.
[Link]