Sudden changes, what happens to particle?

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In summary, sudden changes in particles can be caused by external forces or internal factors, and can result in changes in velocity, direction, or energy. They can also lead to chemical reactions and potential dangers, making it important for scientists to carefully monitor and study them using techniques such as spectroscopy and computational simulations.
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Let's say we have the typical ground state particle in a box. The box suddenly expands from 0 to A, to 0 to 2A.

What happens to the wavefunction of the particle?
 
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If the expansion is extremely fast, then the wave function remains the same as it was before and then slowly diffuses out according to the Schroedinger equation (it will no longer be in the ground state).

If the expansion is slow (also called adiabatic) then the wave function remains in the ground state of the "new" box at each step in time, and ends up in the ground state.
 
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FAQ: Sudden changes, what happens to particle?

What causes sudden changes in particles?

Sudden changes in particles can be caused by a variety of factors, including external forces such as temperature, pressure, or electric fields, as well as internal factors like collisions between particles or changes in the chemical composition of the particle.

How do particles behave during sudden changes?

The behavior of particles during sudden changes can vary depending on the type of change and the properties of the particles involved. In general, particles may experience changes in velocity, direction, or energy as a result of the sudden change.

Can sudden changes in particles lead to chemical reactions?

Yes, sudden changes in particles can sometimes trigger chemical reactions. For example, sudden changes in temperature or pressure can cause molecules to collide with enough force to break bonds and form new compounds.

Are there any potential dangers associated with sudden changes in particles?

In certain situations, sudden changes in particles can pose a risk. For example, sudden changes in pressure or temperature can cause explosions or other hazardous reactions. It is important for scientists to carefully control and monitor sudden changes in particles to ensure safety.

How do scientists study sudden changes in particles?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to study sudden changes in particles, including experimental methods such as spectroscopy and computational simulations. These techniques allow scientists to observe and understand how particles behave during sudden changes and make predictions about their behavior in different conditions.

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