Chapter 7, Problem 7.94QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The scanning of a sample on surface of metal by probe in a scanning tunneling microscope has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

In quantum mechanics, tunneling relies on probability interpretation.  Consider an atom, which contains an electron near a proton (A) and another proton (B) far from proton (A).  In general, energy is needed to move electron from region of proton (A) to proton (B).  But in quantum mechanics, the probability of electron in the atom being located far from proton A near proton B is small but not zero.  This indicates that an electron belongs to proton A can find itself close to proton B without spending much energy.  The electron is said to be tunneled from one proton to another.