- #1
DaTario
- 1,056
- 42
Hi All,
In teaching the basics of quantum mechanics, one has often to introduce potential functions such as the step, the barrier and the well. When I try to get some example of the physical environment of a particle that could correspond to a step function, for instance, what comes out is always the analogy with the geometric profile of a real ladder´s step. The energy is put in the form of potential gravitational energy and the analogy seems to produce some good effect in the class. But if a particle with a velocity v bumps on a vertical wall of a step, even if it has enough energy to climb up a corresponding inclined profile, it will simply bounce back.
Why this discontinous version of the step function, when treated as a potential function, produces such difficulties and what could be a better example of a real situation for a particle to experience a step potential?
Best wishes,
DaTario
In teaching the basics of quantum mechanics, one has often to introduce potential functions such as the step, the barrier and the well. When I try to get some example of the physical environment of a particle that could correspond to a step function, for instance, what comes out is always the analogy with the geometric profile of a real ladder´s step. The energy is put in the form of potential gravitational energy and the analogy seems to produce some good effect in the class. But if a particle with a velocity v bumps on a vertical wall of a step, even if it has enough energy to climb up a corresponding inclined profile, it will simply bounce back.
Why this discontinous version of the step function, when treated as a potential function, produces such difficulties and what could be a better example of a real situation for a particle to experience a step potential?
Best wishes,
DaTario