Answer :
The widest central maximum on a detector after passing through a slit will be produced by electrons because they have the longest de Broglie wavelength due to their lower mass compared to protons and oxygen atoms, all moving at the same speed. Therefore the correct option is 1) Electrons.
The question addresses the phenomenon known as the diffraction of particles, which is observed in quantum mechanics. Diffraction and interference patterns can be observed for all particles, but the patterns will be most noticeable for the particle with the longest de Broglie wavelength, which is inversely proportional to the momentum of the particles. Given that all three particles are moving at the same speed and that the mass of an electron is much less than the mass of protons or oxygen atoms, electrons will have the longest de Broglie wavelength. Therefore, electrons will produce the widest central maximum when they pass through the slit.
It is significant because the electron behaves as a wave in this context, a central concept in quantum mechanics. This demonstrates the dual nature of particles, acting as both particles and waves. This is also essential in technologies such as the electron microscope where having a smaller wavelength (due to higher momentum) allows for higher resolution imaging.
