Can Classical Physics Explain the Infinite Potential Well in Quantum Mechanics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the infinite potential well in quantum mechanics and its explanation through classical physics. It highlights the concept of an infinite potential as an impenetrable boundary, raising questions about the probability of finding a particle at certain points within the well. Specifically, it addresses why the probability is zero at the walls of the well and the implications of standing waves in this context. The conversation suggests that while the infinite potential well is mathematically simple, it serves as a useful model for understanding more complex systems, like laser cavities. Overall, the thread emphasizes the need for theoretical resources that simplify the mathematical aspects of this quantum concept.
v_pino
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I've been told about the infinite potential well using quantum-mechanics, with mathematical proof. Is there any websites I can look at to understand this theory with less math, but instead, with a theoratical approach? Would classical-physics be able to describe this result?

thanks
 
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The concept of an infinite potential is taken to simply mean an impenetrable boundary.
 
How come for some points in the 'well', the probability of finding a particle is zero?
 
For which points in the well is the probability of finding the particle zero? Are you referring to the points corresponding to the walls of the well?
 
A particle in an infinitely deep potential well is a very simple concept (well, mathematically simple...) and is a simplification of many actual things- laser cavities (or any resonant cavity), for example.

What I suspect you are asking about is that your example shows a standing wave- you have a square-bottomed well?
 

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