Question
Diffraction results described above can be produced in the laboratory using an electron diffraction tube as shown in figure. It has a filament which on heating produces electrons. This filament acts as a cathode. Electrons are accelerated to quite high speeds by creating large potential difference between the cathode and a positive electrode. On its way, the beam of electrons comes across a thin sheet of

Image
graphite. The electrons are diffracted by the atomic layers in the graphite and form diffraction rings on the phosphor screen. By changing the voltage between the cathode and anode, the energy, and therefore the speed, of the electrons can be changed. This will change the wavelength of the electrons and a change will be seen in the diffraction pattern. By increasing the voltage, the radius of the diffraction rings will decrease. Try to explain why?

Answer

When the accelerating voltage is increased, the kinetic energy and hence the momentum of the electron increases. This decreases the de Brogue wavelength of the electron. Hence, the radius of the diffraction ring decreases.

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