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)
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)...
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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

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)
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