An Experiment with Electrons

Now, you will complete a simulation of an experiment which at first thought seems rather strange. A double slit experiment using electrons. This type of experiment can be done, but the equipment is rather expensive. Open the Double Slit program and click on the source tube labeled Electrons on the left side of the screen. Click Start to see what happens. Describe the pattern.

Which pattern(s) — light, waves or BBs — does the pattern for electrons resemble?

What can you conclude about the behavior of electrons in a Double Slit experiment?

Similar experiments resulted in a conclusion that electrons behave as waves. This result was surprising but inescapable. As we shall see, it is confirmed in many situations.