Final answer:
To find the value of k in the wave function for a free electron, we can use the de Broglie wavelength formula and the kinetic energy of the electron.
Step-by-step explanation:
The wave function for a free electron is given by ψ(x) = asin(kx) + bcos(kx). If the electron has a kinetic energy of 9.0 eV, we can find the value of k by using the de Broglie wavelength formula:
λ = h / p
where h is the Planck constant and p is the momentum. The momentum of the electron can be calculated using the kinetic energy:
p = √(2mE)
where m is the mass of the electron and E is the kinetic energy. By substituting the given values and solving for k, we can find the value of k.