- #1
mtrl
- 6
- 0
exp(i k.r) ~ A traveling wave ??
I am studying electrons in solids and the wavefunctions of free electrons, which have the form exp(i k.r), are said to be representing traveling waves. Isn't there supposed to be a term involving time in the exponential such as exp (i (k.r -wt)) so that it is a traveling wave?
If exp(i k.r) does not represent a standing wave, then what represents a standing wave?
I am studying electrons in solids and the wavefunctions of free electrons, which have the form exp(i k.r), are said to be representing traveling waves. Isn't there supposed to be a term involving time in the exponential such as exp (i (k.r -wt)) so that it is a traveling wave?
If exp(i k.r) does not represent a standing wave, then what represents a standing wave?