In Section 39.5, we found that the de Broglie equation relates the momentum of a particle to its wavelength through the relation p = h/A. If an ideal free particle has a precisely known momentum p, its wave function is an infinitely long sinusoi- dal wave of wavelength A = h/p, and the particle has equal probability of being at any point along the x axis (Fig. 39.18a). The wave function y for such a free particle moving along the x axis can be written as (x) = Aekx (40.4)

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Question

Consider the wave function for the free particle, as shown. At what value of x is the particle most likely to be found at a given time? (a) at x = 0 (b) at small nonzero values of x (c) at large values of x (d) anywhere along the x axis

In Section 39.5, we found that the de Broglie equation relates the momentum of
a particle to its wavelength through the relation p = h/A. If an ideal free particle
has a precisely known momentum p, its wave function is an infinitely long sinusoi-
dal wave of wavelength A = h/p, and the particle has equal probability of being at
any point along the x axis (Fig. 39.18a). The wave function y for such a free particle
moving along the x axis can be written as
(x) = Aekx
(40.4)
Transcribed Image Text:In Section 39.5, we found that the de Broglie equation relates the momentum of a particle to its wavelength through the relation p = h/A. If an ideal free particle has a precisely known momentum p, its wave function is an infinitely long sinusoi- dal wave of wavelength A = h/p, and the particle has equal probability of being at any point along the x axis (Fig. 39.18a). The wave function y for such a free particle moving along the x axis can be written as (x) = Aekx (40.4)
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Connection Formulae for WKB approximation
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON