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Q5R.2 Consider the interfering sodium atoms experi- ment described in section Q5

ID: 1884440 • Letter: Q

Question

Q5R.2 Consider the interfering sodium atoms experi- ment described in section Q5.5. Assume that initially the atoms were confined to two small spots a distance d 44 um apart. After the confinement is turned off, the spots expand due to random variations in the atom veloci- ties. Assume that a given atom's momentum is conserved as the spots expand. Figure Q5.5 shows the situation after the spots have expanded for a time t 40 ms. Consider the interference pattern near a point Phalfway between the initial positions of the two spots. (a) Carefully argue that the speed of any atoms passing P at the time of the photograph must belo-d/t no matter which of the two spots they originally came from. (b) The de Broglie hypothesis implies that atoms flowing in each spot form waves. In chapter Q2, we saw that waves of equal wavelength moving in opposite direc- tions create a standing wave. Figure Q5.5 displays the intensity of atom interference, which amounts to the time-averaged square of the standing-wave wave function. Use this information to predict the distance between peaks of the interference pattern in the neigh- borhood of point P according to the de Broglie model, and compare with the observed spacing of about 15 um. (Hint: If you get a result that is off by a simple multiple, you might note that the spacing between peaks of the interference pattern is not the same as the wavelength of the standing wave. Why not?)

Explanation / Answer

Can u plz send experiment described in section 5.5 as per your question. And also figure 5.5. Because i can't able to visualise the situation.