Wave like character of an electron is proved by

Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: (D) The diffraction pattern of electrons scattered from a crystalline solid

The wave-like character of electrons was experimentally proven by the Davisson-Germer experiment (1927), which demonstrated electron diffraction:

Key Experimental Evidence

• Electron beam directed at a nickel crystal surface
• Electrons scattered and produced a diffraction pattern
• The pattern matched predictions based on de Broglie’s wave hypothesis
• Diffraction is a characteristic property of waves, not particles

Theoretical Foundation

• Louis de Broglie (1924) proposed that particles have wave properties with wavelength λ = h/p (h = Planck’s constant, p = momentum)
• The Davisson-Germer experiment confirmed this hypothesis
• Established the wave-particle duality of matter

Similar Evidence

• G.P. Thomson’s experiment (1927) – electron diffraction through thin metal foils
• Electron microscopes utilize the wave nature of electrons for high-resolution imaging