Matter waves as standing waves

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the nature of matter waves associated with electrons, specifically their characterization as standing waves. The electrons are confined within a distance of 10-8 to 10-10 meters from the nucleus, and their matter waves are described by solutions to the time-independent Schrödinger equation. The apparent contradiction regarding amplitude variation is clarified by noting that classical standing waves can also exhibit position-dependent amplitudes, which aligns with the behavior of electron matter waves.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of wave-particle duality
  • Basic concepts of standing waves in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the time-independent Schrödinger equation in detail
  • Explore the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate classical standing waves and their properties
  • Learn about the implications of quantum confinement on electron behavior
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, wave phenomena, and the behavior of electrons in atomic structures.

GAGS
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Hi all,can anyone tell me the meaning of lines that i had read from a book:
"The electron is situated within a distance of 10 to the power -8 to 10 to the power -10 m. from the nucleus and is always confined only within this distace. The matter waves associated with electron is defined in terms of standing waves or stationary wave,which have varying amplitude at different points in the region and practically zero outside the range"
Now i have two questions
1.)Why matter waves associated with electron is regarded as standing wave?
2.)The definition of standing wave says that amplitude is constant within a confined range,but here we are saying that amplitude is varying at different points within the range.
WHATS THAT DILEMMA?
please help me.
thanks
 
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GAGS said:
1.)Why matter waves associated with electron is regarded as standing wave?
Because it is a solution to the time-independent Schrödinger equation, which is a wave equation.

GAGS said:
2.)The definition of standing wave says that amplitude is constant within a confined range,but here we are saying that amplitude is varying at different points within the range.
A classical standing wave also has an amplitude that varies with position.
 

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