Inverse relationship between de Broglie wavelength and kinetic energy
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
As the kinetic energy of an ejected electron increases, its de Broglie wavelength decreases, because λ = h/p and p = √(2mK); this relationship is used to order frequencies and work functions.