Is the particle able to penetrate finite barrier?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a quantum particle in a step potential scenario, specifically addressing whether a particle in a bound state can penetrate a finite barrier. The scope includes theoretical considerations of quantum mechanics and wave functions in different potential regions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a potential setup with infinite potential for x ≤ 0, constant potential for 0 ≤ x ≤ a, and zero potential for x ≥ a, questioning the probability of finding a particle in the region x ≥ a when its energy is less than zero.
  • Another participant clarifies that the particle cannot exist in the region x < 0, as the wavefunction would decay in that area, suggesting that the original question may be misframed.
  • A participant acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the regions and discusses the wavefunction behavior, indicating that in the region 0 < x < a, the wavefunction would exhibit sinusoidal characteristics, while in the region x >> a, it would be exponential.
  • Another participant interprets the potential setup differently, suggesting that if the particle starts in the region 0 < x < a, it could escape to the region x > b if the potential is finite.
  • One participant revises their earlier statements about the potential regions and concludes that if the particle is initially in the region x > a, it can move into the well at 0 < x < a, reinforcing the idea of a bound state.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the initial conditions and potential configurations, leading to multiple competing interpretations of the particle's behavior in relation to the potential barriers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific conditions under which the particle can penetrate the barrier.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the initial state of the particle and the definitions of the potential regions, which may affect the conclusions drawn by participants.

J.Asher
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Let's have a kind of step potential,

V=infinity, where x\leq0,
V=constant, where 0\leqx\leqa,
V=zero , where x\geqa.

Then, my question is that when the energy of the particle is lesser than zero, which

means that the particle is in the bound state, is there a probability of getting the

particle where x\geqa ??
 
Last edited:
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J.Asher said:
Let's have a kind of step potential,

V=infinity, where x\leq0,
V=constant, where 0\leqx\leqa,
V=zero , where x\geq0.

Then, my question is that when the energy of the particle is lesser than zero, which

means that the particle is in the bound state, is there a probability of getting the

particle where x\geq0 ??

This is not an example of a particle "in a bound state". Your particle doesn't exist for x<0 since the wavefunction from where it is would have sufficiently decayed away in the barrier.

Zz.
 
I acknowledge that I had mistaken about which the state particle is under

but I didn't ask for the particle in the region x<<0, but x>>a.

After I upload this, I got some approaching for this problem

that in the region 0<<x<<a, the wave funtion for the particle would have sin and cos and

in the region x>>a, the particle would have an exponentioal funtion(real).

and from the continuity equation, which says wave function always continuos and the

deravative of the wave funtion would countinuous if the potential is not infinitive,

I could get the transcedental equation that has tangent form.

Does it make sense?
 
I think you are asking about the following situation:
V=infinity x<0
V=0 0<x<a
V=V a<x<b
V=0 x>b

With the particle initially in the region 0<x<a, is there a possibility of the particle escaping to the region x>b? If this is your question, the answer is yes, as long as V is finite.
 
Ah I am sorry...
I had a mistake on saying the region in which the potential finite.

V=infinity, where x<0
V=-V (negative constant), where 0<x<a
V=0, where x>a

maybe the problem doesn't give any gurauntee that the particle is in 0<x<a initially.

anyway, what I get thru this problem is particle cannot move into region x>a,where the potential goes up, finitely, from the region like finite well, 0<x<a, but if the particle in on the region, x>a, initially, particle can move into the region, o<x<a.
(I assuemd that the energy is negative and more than -v, 2nd boundary is given by the fact that the energy must be more than minimum of the potential)

So wherever the particle is there, it always go to the well, 0<x<a, which means
bound state, consequently.
 

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