Question

"Which of the following is evidence that matter has a wave-like nature?

A. Electrons have mass.
B. Electrons cannot be broken down into smaller pieces of matter.
C. Electrons have a specific velocity and direction.
D. Electrons producing a diffraction pattern.

Answer 1

Electrons producing a diffraction pattern when passing through a crystal serves as evidence of their wave-like nature, confirming the wave-particle duality proposed by de Broglie.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evidence that matter has a wave-like nature is D. Electrons producing a diffraction pattern. When electrons pass through a crystal and create such a pattern, it confirms the wave-particle duality of matter, as the pattern is analogous to that produced by waves undergoing interference. This phenomenon was first demonstrated by Davisson and Germer, validating de Broglie's hypothesis that matter can exhibit wave properties. Therefore, seeing diffraction patterns is evidence of the wave nature of particles such as electrons.