Question

G. P. Thomson experimentally confirmed the existence of matter waves by the phenomenon of:

• A. diffraction
• B. refraction
• C. polarization
• D. scattering

Hint:

Both textbfDavisson–Germer and textbfG. P. Thomson experiments confirmed the wave nature of electrons through textbfdiffraction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the concept of matter waves. According to de Broglie’s hypothesis, moving particles such as electrons exhibit wave-like properties. Step 2: Identify G. P. Thomson’s contribution. G. P. Thomson experimentally verified the wave nature of electrons by passing them through thin metal foils. Step 3: Observe the phenomenon involved. The electrons produced diffraction patterns, similar to X-ray diffraction, which is a characteristic property of waves. Step 4: Analyze the options.

(A) Diffraction — direct evidence of wave nature ✔
(B) Refraction — not observed for electrons
(C) Polarization — applies to transverse waves like light
(D) Scattering — not specific proof of wave nature
Step 5: Final conclusion. The phenomenon that confirmed the existence of matter waves is diffraction. \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]