How to Draw Incident and Reflected Waves for Barrier Potential?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the representation of incident and reflected waves in the context of barrier potential diagrams. Participants clarify that reflections occur at points of potential change, specifically at the boundaries of different regions. The reflected waves should be depicted at the same energy level as the incident waves, and the wavelength in the barrier region is smaller. Accurate representation is crucial for understanding wave behavior in quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly wave-particle duality.
  • Familiarity with barrier potential concepts in quantum physics.
  • Knowledge of wave properties, including wavelength and energy.
  • Ability to interpret and create wave diagrams.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study wave functions in quantum mechanics, focusing on incident and reflected waves.
  • Learn about potential barriers and tunneling effects in quantum physics.
  • Explore graphical representation techniques for wave functions in physics.
  • Review examples of wave behavior at potential discontinuities in quantum systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, as well as educators looking to enhance their teaching of wave behavior in potential barriers.

PhysicalProof
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Having trouble drawing the wave representations for this diagram.

[PLAIN]http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/94/diag.png

I'm not sure what the incident and reflected waves should look like.

The question is asking to draw the waves in each region. I understand how to calculate the waves just not how to represent them.

Any help appreciated thanks.

EDIT: I also understand that the wavelength must be smaller in the middle. What I'm unsure of is where exactly to draw the reflected waves.
 
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Reflections occur when there's a change in the potential, so there are two places a reflection can occur.
 
vela said:
Reflections occur when there's a change in the potential, so there are two places a reflection can occur.

Yes but how do I depict these reflections? Are they above or below the waves at E ?
 
They're at E. They have the same total energy as the incident wave.
 

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