Which of the following scientist suggested that moving particles exhibit wave properties?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which scientist proposed that moving particles (like electrons) also behave like waves. This is the idea of wave-particle duality for matter.

Step 2: Explain the concept In 1924, the French physicist Louis de Broglie proposed that all moving particles have an associated wavelength, called the de Broglie wavelength:

λ = h / p = h / (mv)

where:

• λ = wavelength
• h = Planck's constant (6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J s)
• m = mass of the particle
• v = velocity of the particle

His idea was confirmed experimentally when electrons were shown to produce diffraction patterns (Davisson and Germer, 1927).

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Isaac Newton – Known for the laws of motion and gravitation. He favoured the corpuscular (particle) theory of light, not waves for particles.
• B. Ernest Rutherford – Proposed the nuclear model of the atom from the alpha-particle scattering experiment.
• C. Louis de Broglie – Proposed that moving particles have wave properties. ✔
• D. J.J. Thomson – Discovered the electron and proposed the "plum pudding" model.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. Louis de Broglie.

Exam tip: Match each scientist to one key idea:

• Newton → motion and gravity
• Rutherford → nucleus
• Thomson → electron
• de Broglie → "Broglie = Both" (matter waves: particles act as waves too)